Not sure who Is The Chairman Of Kenya Institute Of Mass Communication? In recent developments, President William Ruto appointed Charles Owino Wahong’o as the new Chairperson of the Council of KIMC, a position that holds immense responsibility in shaping the future of media education in Kenya.

The Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) has been a cornerstone in the field of media and communication training in Kenya since its establishment in 1961.The institute’s leadership is critical in steering its vision and mission to greater heights.

As the oldest and most prestigious media training institution in the country, KIMC has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many media professionals not only in Kenya but also across Africa.

This article delves into the background of the current chairman, his role, and the significance of his appointment in the broader context of KIMC’s mission.

Who Is The Chairman Of Kenya Institute Of Mass Communication?

The Appointment of Charles Owino Wahong’o

Charles Owino’s appointment as the Chairperson of KIMC’s Council was officially announced in a gazette notice dated September 27, 2023. This move came as part of President Ruto’s broader efforts to reshape the leadership of various state corporations. Owino, a former police spokesperson, took over the position from Kathleen Openda, who had been appointed in 2018 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Owino’s term as the chairman is set to begin on September 29, 2023, and will last until October 5, 2024.

The decision to appoint Owino has been met with various reactions, given his background in law enforcement and his recent involvement in politics. Before this appointment, Owino served as the UDA Siaya County party coordinator, a role he took on in July 2023. His political journey has been marked by his initial affiliation with the ODM party, where he declared his bid for the Siaya County governorship. However, after failing to secure the party nomination ticket, Owino joined the United Democratic Movement (UDM). His experience in public service and politics is expected to bring a unique perspective to his role as the chairman of KIMC.

Who is Charles Owino?

Charles Owino Wahong’o is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in law enforcement and communication. He gained national recognition as the spokesperson for the Kenya Police Service, a position that required him to be the face and voice of the police force during various national issues and crises. His ability to handle the media and communicate effectively on behalf of the police made him a household name in Kenya.

Owino’s transition from law enforcement to politics was marked by his decision to run for the Siaya County governorship in 2022. Although his political journey has had its challenges, including his switch from ODM to UDM, Owino has remained a significant figure in Kenyan public life. His recent appointment as the chairperson of KIMC’s Council is a testament to his continued relevance and influence in the public sector.

The Role of the Chairperson at KIMC

As the Chairperson of the Council of KIMC, Charles Owino’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the institute continues to fulfill its mandate of providing quality media and communication training. The chairperson is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the institute, ensuring that it aligns with the national goals of advancing media education and training.

The chairperson also plays a crucial role in ensuring that KIMC remains financially viable, advocating for adequate government funding, and exploring other revenue-generating opportunities. Additionally, the chairperson is expected to foster partnerships with local and international media organizations, enhancing the institute’s reputation and the employability of its graduates.

Given KIMC’s history and reputation, the role of the chairperson is not only administrative but also symbolic. The chairperson represents the aspirations of the students, faculty, and the broader media community in Kenya. Charles Owino’s leadership will be closely watched to see how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with this prestigious role.

The History and Evolution of KIMC

KIMC was established in 1961 as the Voice of Kenya Training School, initially focusing on training electronic engineers and technicians for the Kenya Broadcasting Service (KBS). Over the years, the institute expanded its curriculum to include training in various aspects of mass communication, including journalism, film production, and radio and television production.

In 1964, KBS was nationalized and rebranded as the Voice of Kenya (VOK), and KIMC continued to serve as the primary training institution for media professionals in the country. The institute’s evolution has been marked by continuous efforts to keep up with the changing dynamics of the media industry, both locally and globally. Today, KIMC offers a wide range of courses, including post-graduate diploma, diploma, and certificate programs, catering to the needs of the modern media landscape.

KIMC’s contribution to the media industry in Kenya and Africa cannot be overstated. The institute has produced some of the most influential media personalities in the region, and its alumni continue to make significant contributions in various sectors, including journalism, film, broadcasting, and communication.

Who Is The Chairman Of Kenya Institute Of Mass Communication FAQs

1. Who is the current chairman of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication?
   • The current chairman of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) is Charles Owino Wahong’o. He was appointed by President William Ruto, effective September 29, 2023.
2. What is the role of the chairman at KIMC?
   • The chairman of KIMC is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the institute, ensuring financial viability, and fostering partnerships with local and international media organizations. The chairman also represents the institute in official capacities and advocates for its interests.
3. What is Charles Owino’s background?
   • Charles Owino is a former police spokesperson and a seasoned public servant. He has a background in law enforcement and has recently been involved in politics, serving as the UDA Siaya County party coordinator before his appointment as chairman of KIMC.
4. What changes has Charles Owino introduced since becoming chairman?
   • As of his recent appointment, specific changes introduced by Charles Owino at KIMC have yet to be widely reported. However, his leadership is expected to bring a new perspective to the institute, given his background in communication and public service.
5. How long will Charles Owino serve as the chairman of KIMC?
   • Charles Owino’s term as chairman of KIMC is set to last from September 29, 2023, to October 5, 2024, as per the gazette notice issued by President William Ruto.
6. Why was Kathleen Openda’s appointment as chairman revoked?
   • Kathleen Openda’s appointment was revoked by President William Ruto as part of a broader reshuffle in the leadership of state corporations. The specific reasons for the revocation have not been publicly detailed.
7. What courses does KIMC offer?
   • KIMC offers a variety of courses, including post-graduate diploma, diploma, and certificate programs in fields such as electronic and telecommunication engineering, film production, radio and television production, print and broadcast journalism, and electronic and studio technology.
8. What is the history of KIMC?
   • KIMC was established in 1961 as the Voice of Kenya Training School. It was initially created to train electronic engineers and technicians for the Kenya Broadcasting Service (KBS), which later became the Voice of Kenya (VOK). Over the years, KIMC has grown into one of Africa’s most respected media training institutions.
9. How does KIMC contribute to the media industry in Kenya?
   • KIMC contributes to the media industry by providing high-quality training to media professionals. The institute’s graduates are employed in various sectors, including journalism, film, broadcasting, and communication, both in Kenya and across Africa.
10. What are the future prospects for KIMC under Charles Owino’s leadership?
    • The future prospects for KIMC under Charles Owino’s leadership include potential reforms in curriculum development, enhanced partnerships with media organizations, and increased government funding. Owino’s leadership is expected to build on KIMC’s legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of the media industry.

Conclusion

The appointment of Charles Owino Wahong’o as the Chairman of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication marks a new chapter in the history of this esteemed institution. With his extensive experience in public service and communication, Owino is poised to lead KIMC into a new era of excellence and innovation in media training.

His role will be crucial in ensuring that KIMC continues to fulfill its mandate of providing top-tier education and training to future media professionals in Kenya and beyond.

As KIMC continues to evolve, the leadership of its chairman will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Owino’s background in law enforcement and politics brings a unique perspective to the role, and his leadership will be closely watched by stakeholders in the media and education sectors.