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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Indeed, folks at our Government Comms can do better in selling hot air online

Peter Kimani

By Peter Kimani | Aug 23, 2024

**State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.** [Sammy Omingo,Standard]

I understand the government is on a hiring spree of so-called keyboard warriors—the same force that fomented trouble in the last few months through well-oiled street protests—and marshalled them to post positive reviews of public projects.

This is welcome news, especially as the initiative creates opportunities for well-educated youth who are out of work. And it would serve the economy very well if such jobs are permanent and pensionable. That’s as it should be, since the government needs good press at all times.

And the beauty of an expanded workforce is that they will all pay tax. In any case, the government has already laid the groundwork for a virtual workforce by providing free Wi-Fi in every enclave of this country.

Well, my memory has been getting fuzzy with age, but I have recollections of such a promise being made during campaign time. I think the timelines were 100 days after elections, but it may well be 100 days to the next General Election.

In any case, if the deliverables for pro-government bloggers are positive reporting and free Wi-Fi does not exist, it can be invented online.

Keep Reading business

It’s possible to transform non-existent infrastructure into being, from affordable housing to roads and stadia. All that’s needed to create such infrastructure online are 3D renders. These, in turn require modest investments in software, many of which are locally available.

It is unclear if the individuals hired for positive government publicity glitz are allowed to apply their minds where things do not add up, or if there are non-disclosure clauses to their contracts.