Let's Change Public Perception of PR Practice in Kenya

A woman using a smartphone with various icons of smart technology. [Getty Images]

Many people in Kenya, including leaders and professionals, continue to inappropriately perceive or rather misunderstand the meaning of Public Relations (PR). For most of them, PR means public stunts, which are done to conceal, divert or distort information for self-gain. This perception not only taints the profession but also puts a bad taste in the mouths of those practicing and studying PR.

The public is now normalising the initials PR as a household name for false or deceitful public image management practice. Phrases like "Hii ni PR," "PR tupu," or "wacha PR" in Kiswahili are now being used to mean this is just a PR stunt whenever organisations or the government speak through various channels.