Public relations: a critical study of the Kenyan practice

Abstract

This paper is a presentation of a research done to assess the state of Public relations practice in Kenya. It has covered in detail relevant and pertinent aspects of Public relations in Kenya and the west taking comparisons and contrasts to guide recommendations. Public Relations is a vital tool in the pursuit of achieving its declared aims, objectives and goals. Public Relations strategies knit together relationships between organizations and their public's for the achievement of corporate objectives. Organizational objectives differ. Businesses aim at achieving profitability and growth, caring for the interest of shareholders and stakeholders, establishment of good reputation and management stature, attainment of industry leadership, ensuring employee welfare and satisfaction, attaining balance between domestic and foreign business interests and rendering quality to the society and for the common good. Governments for instance have responsibility for all. They are concerned with ensuring good governance, the greatest good for all, provision of social infrastructures- water, roads, education, health, shelter, agriculture, food, justice, etc; good project reputation for the country and protection of life and property and general well-being. This research has touched on all these areas and brought out key issues that need to be addressed so as to make Public relations more effective. The statistical data produced from opinion polls has been used to portray the severity of the issues addressed. At the end of the report an analysis of the data has been presented to reiterate these facts. Towards the end are recommendations that are ideal in restoring the glory of PR in Kenya. This information will not only be useful in Kenya but in the many developing countries that share in some of these challenges.