This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
On March 13, 2020, Kenya announced its first case of coronavirus infection, marking the beginning of a long and challenging journey for the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has been at the forefront of the government's response, delivering numerous speeches to address the public and provide updates on the pandemic.
However, a recent analysis of Kagwe's speeches by the Sunday Nation raises concerns about the tone and effectiveness of his communication. The study, which examined 130 statements made by Kagwe between March 13 and two weeks ago, reveals a pattern of chastising and admonishing language that may be alienating the public and undermining the government's efforts.
According to the analysis, Kagwe's speeches are characterized by a focus on reporting cases, deaths, and arrests, rather than providing reassurance and details about the government's control of the pandemic. The study also found that Kagwe's top 10 words, including 'cases,' 'disease,' and 'county,' are often used in the context of instructions and directives, rather than to convey a sense of hope and reassurance.
Dr. Pamella Oloo, chair of the Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies at Maseno University, notes that Kagwe's tone and facial expressions can be off-putting, and that his words take on a different meaning when accompanied by his body language. The study also highlights the contrast between Kagwe's communication style and that of his administrative secretaries, Mercy Mwangangi and Rashid Aman, who are seen as more effective in conveying a sense of hope and reassurance.
Professor Salome Bukachi, a medical anthropologist at the University of Nairobi, emphasizes the importance of careful and strategic communication in managing the pandemic. She notes that people's behavior is influenced by their perception of risk, and that the government's communication should aim to provide accurate and reassuring information to help people make informed decisions.
Unfortunately, Kagwe's speeches have been criticized for lacking differentiation between 'being sick' and 'being ill' of Covid-19, and for failing to provide clear and reassuring information about the government's control of the pandemic. The study concludes that Kagwe's tone and communication style may be undermining the government's efforts to manage the pandemic and change people's behavior.
