IIEC scoops the PRSK 2010 Public Affairs Campaign of the year

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) won the Public Affairs Campaign of the year during the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) Excellence Awards Gala Dinner held on 27th November 2010 at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi.

IIEC submitted a presentation of its detailed Communications strategy (highlighting communication tactics, objectives, crisis management plan, communication channels, monitoring and evaluation techniques among others) that it adopted to mobilize and sensitize members of the public during the fresh voter registration exercise held early in the year.

The Commission had targeted to register at least 10 million eligible voters in a period of 50 days but, through a rigorous voter registration campaign, it managed to surpass the set target by over 2.4 million to register 12.6 million people.

The voter registration campaign was undertaken before and during the voter registration period (March 22nd-May 21st, 2010), with an aim to restore the public trust and confidence in the management of the electoral process, while informing and persuading the public to turn out in large numbers and register as voters.

The PRSK Award is one of the four trophies and recognition awards that the Commission has received in the past one year it has been in operation (others include UN commendation award, Uwiano Peace award, ASK and PRSK excellence award) This not only demonstrates the level of trust and confidence that the people of Kenya have in the 18 month old electoral body (May 2009 to date), but also a confirmation of the excellence of the Commission in service delivery.

The PRSK Excellence Awards are a representation of public relations and communication management practice in Kenya showcasing strategic, tactful, creative and professional campaigns undertaken during the year. The Awards attract entries from business enterprises, associations, private and government agencies as well as students pursuing communications related studies.

The presentations highlighted the difference made through the successful use of public relations and communications campaigns towards the achievement of the set targets.

The 2010 awards were divided into 10 various categories these include: Media Relations campaign, Consumer Relations, Public Affairs campaign, PR Event, Social Responsibility, Internal Communications, Sponsorship campaign, Technology PR campaign, and Public sector campaign and Not for Profit campaign of the year awards. There are also supplementary (two fields) and honorary (two fields) categories.

IIEC staff poses for a picture after receiving the 2010 Public Affairs Campaign of the year Award trophy which the Commission won during the PRSK Excellence Annual Awards Gala night on 27th November, 2010. From left; Ruth Kulundu (Regional Election Co-ordinator- Nairobi); Tabitha Mutemi (Manager, Communication and Corporate Affairs); Salome Oyugi ( Legal Officer); Kenneth Kibet (Corporate affairs staff) and Annastacia Mutua (Regional Election Co-ordinator-Lower Eastern).