After months on the receiving end of flak for brutality, corruption and abetment of crime, the National Police Service Commission (NPSM) is considering incorporating communication skills in training curriculum to enable the police engage with the public productively.

Consequently, the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) has agreed to a partnership with the National Police Service (NPS) to develop a specialised training programme to equip officers with skills in social media use and strategic communication.

The collaboration was formalised during a strategic meeting hosted by the Chief Executive Officer and Director of KIMC Peter Wakoli at KIMC premises on Wednesday. In attendance were Registrar of Academic Affairs at KIMC Godfrey Kareithi and Ruth Rusaa from the Kenya National Police Service.

Wakoli said there is a need for inter-agency cooperation in strengthening professional capacity among state institutions. He explained that the training would enable officers to acquire modern communication skills that match the evolving demands of policing in a digital society.

“This initiative is designed to ensure our officers are not only effective in traditional policing duties but also well-equipped to communicate strategically on digital platforms where public discourse is increasingly taking place,” Wakoli said.

The programme will feature specialised modules in social media management, content creation and strategic communication. Course design and duration will be guided jointly by KIMC and the Kenya Police Service, with selected officers undergoing structured sessions to build their competence in creating, managing and disseminating digital content.

Rusaa welcomed the partnership, saying it would strengthen the service’s community engagement.

“The public expects timely, accurate and reliable information. By embracing digital communication tools, our officers will be able to provide services and updates that build confidence in the institution,” she noted.

Successful trainees will be awarded certificates during a graduation ceremony to be presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of Police. The event will mark official recognition of the officers’ newly acquired competencies.

Additional areas of collaboration discussed include offering attachment and internship opportunities for KIMC students at Kenya Police Service offices.

The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application while nurturing a highly skilled workforce. Kareithi pointed out that the arrangement would create value for both the students and the Service.

“Practical exposure is vital for our students and partnering with an institution such as the National Police Service offers them a unique chance to apply their learning in the real-world environment,” he said.

Rusaa affirmed the service’s commitment to the initiative, observing that modern policing requires more than operational capacity.

“Today’s police officer must be both a law enforcer and an effective communicator. This training will enable us to build a service that resonates with the public we serve,” she remarked.

The partnership reflects an effort by public institutions to embrace technology in service delivery and governance. With communication increasingly shifting to digital platforms, the programme is expected to enhance the National Police Service’s ability to share information, counter misinformation and engage constructively with citizens.

Investment in digital skills for officers also aligns with the government’s vision of modernising public institutions through capacity building and technology adoption. The collaboration highlights the importance of multi-agency partnerships in driving reforms and responding to the needs of a digital society.

Training is expected to commence once course structures are finalized, with both KIMC and the National Police Service optimistic that the initiative will serve as a model for future capacity-building collaborations across state agencies.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid