In the complex and fast-changing world of development, how we communicate is just as important as what we do. Kenya’s journey toward inclusive growth, climate resilience, good governance, and digital transformation is filled with milestones—but these milestones only inspire and mobilize action if they are seen, heard, and understood.

Recognizing this, UNDP Kenya hosted its first-ever Communications Partners Forum on 22 July 2025 at the UN Complex in Nairobi. The gathering brought together a diverse group of Communications Leads from embassies, the Government of Kenya, UN agencies, media houses, and development partners, each with their own expertise, audiences, and perspectives.

The goal was ambitious but urgent: to strengthen partnerships, improve visibility, and align messaging so that Kenya’s development story is told with clarity, consistency, and collective purpose.

Why Communications Partnerships Matter Now

The development landscape in Kenya is shifting rapidly. Climate extremes are testing resilience, political transitions are shaping new policy priorities, and digital innovations are transforming how communities access services. At the same time, the demand for transparency and accountability in development work is stronger than ever.

In this context, communication becomes a driver of impact. By working together, communications leaders can:

• Present a unified narrative of Kenya’s progress.
• Coordinate visibility efforts to ensure no partner’s contribution goes unnoticed.
• Build public trust through evidence-based storytelling.
• Mobilize action by making development issues relatable and relevant to citizens.

Key Opening Insights: Setting the Stage for Alignment

The forum opened with a strategic framing session led by Martin, Head of Communications at UNDP Kenya, and Augustine from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO).

Martin’s call to action:

1. Stronger Partnerships & Joint Visibility: Acknowledged that Kenya’s development challenges require communications teams to step out of silos and co-create impactful visibility initiatives.
2. Alignment with National Frameworks: Reaffirmed that UNDP’s work is anchored in Kenya Vision 2030, Medium Term Plan IV (2023–2027), and the UN Cooperation Framework—ensuring that communications speak to national priorities.
3. Highlighting Programmatic Pillars: From governance and peacebuilding to climate resilience and inclusive economic growth, UNDP’s current Country Programme is a blend of policy work, innovation, and community-driven impact.
4. Recognizing Partners: Committed to better crediting and featuring partners in communications outputs.

Augustine’s perspective from UNRCO:

• Stressed the importance of coordinated UN messaging across agencies.
• Encouraged greater recognition of donor and implementation partners in public-facing narratives.

• Positioned communications as a shared tool for amplifying collective results.

  

Breakout Sessions: From Dialogue to Collaboration

Following the opening plenary, participants engaged in interactive breakout discussions facilitated by Sheila from UNDP.

Two guiding questions shaped the conversations:

1. What does joint communications look like in action?
2. How can we strengthen collective visibility across institutions?

Key reflections:

• There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to communications and each organization has unique methods, but alignment is still possible.
• Sharing annual and quarterly event calendars could unlock new opportunities for synchronized campaigns.
• By December 2025, partners agreed to target 2–3 concrete collaborative communications outputs as a measure of the forum’s success.

A Moment for Reflection and Realignment

The session underscored that the strength of UNDP’s communications lies in the contributions of its partners—whether through shared media coverage, joint events, or co-authored stories. Sheila encouraged participants to think about audience segmentation, ensuring that communications reach the grassroots, policymakers, and global stakeholders alike.

Strategic Partnerships in Action: From Plans to Pilots

Several immediate opportunities for joint action emerged from the discussions:

• 16 Days of Activism Campaign – Partners agreed to use this year’s campaign as a pilot for coordinated communications, pooling resources and aligning messaging for maximum impact.
• Climate Summit Engagement – Communications teams will collaborate on highlighting Kenya’s leadership in climate action ahead of the upcoming summit.

• Compendium of Communications Approaches – To be developed as a resource for partners adapting to the evolving development communications landscape.

  

Closing Reflections: Building a Sustainable Network

In her remarks, UNDP Kenya Resident Representative a.i Madelena Monoja emphasized that the forum was more than a meeting—it was the foundation of a sustainable communications network.

Her six-point call to action included:

1. Foster direct connections between communications leads across sectors.
2. Establish quarterly forums for planning and updates.
3. Improve targeting through a shared understanding of audiences.
4. Link communications to strategic priorities and national goals.
5. Plan joint field visits to capture authentic, evidence-based impact stories.
6. Promote open dialogue to build trust and continuous improvement.

Key Outcomes of the Forum

By the end of the convening, partners agreed on:

• Regular quarterly meetings of the Communications Partners Forum.
• A shared visibility plan built around partner event calendars.
• A pilot collaborative campaign during the 16 Days of Activism.
• A commitment to amplifying each other’s work and collective impact.

Looking Ahead: From Words to Action

The success of this inaugural forum has sparked strong momentum for a new era of coordinated communications in Kenya’s development sector.

“When we come together to align our voices, we amplify the impact of our work. Communications is not just about visibility, it’s about shared purpose and driving meaningful change.”
— UNDP Kenya Communications Team

With renewed commitment, strengthened networks, and shared ambition, the stories of Kenya’s progress will now be told louder, clearer, and together.

About the Author

Sheila Kimani is a Strategic Partnerships and Digital Communications Associate at UNDP.