#21
PATIENCE NYANGE
SPOKESPERSON TO THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, IGAD
I am the girl next door. I am a Media, Communications and Advocacy specialist with over 18 years of experience in human rights and various communications fields.
I believe in a just society and am guided by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, and to have it make a difference that you lived and lived well.” This idea of living well must be defined by you. So, I continue to define my ‘living well’ over the years.
After completing my undergraduate studies in Mass Communication, specialising in Electronic Media, from Daystar University in 2006, my aspirations were clear: to leverage the power of storytelling through various mediums to amplify the voices of the marginalised and oppressed.
In 2009, I furthered my studies in International Relations (IR) and Diplomacy at the University of Nairobi (UoN). A decade later, as a Chevening Scholar, I pursued a Master’s degree in International Public Relations (PR) and Global Communication Management at Cardiff University, UK, graduating with distinction in 2021.
Alongside my academic pursuits, I undertook diploma courses in International Communication from Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication in Norway (2011) and Level Two Leadership/Team Leading from the City and Guilds of London Institute (2021).
Over the years, I have gained experience from diverse sectors comprising international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), human rights (HR) organisations, governance institutions, communications and the media industry. I have in-depth knowledge and exposure in developing comprehensive public affairs and communications strategies with prolific experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society and international partners.
I also consider myself to have an invaluable and extensive contacts base within government, private sector and media across the globe. I have worked with Baraka FM in Mombasa, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation in Norway, the BBC Media Action in Kenya, the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).
In my current role as the Spokesperson to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), my extensive background in communication, media, and PR plays a pivotal role. Being headhunted and subsequently selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates affirms my suitability for this position. I eagerly anticipate learning under Dr. Workneh’s seasoned leadership, drawing from his wealth of experience in diplomacy and public communication.
Through this role, I aim to contribute to the organisation’s growth and enhance my personal skill set. I aim to leave a lasting impact as a valuable team member, elevating the organisation’s local and global profile.
I am also passionate about women’s and girls’ rights, specifically advancing women’s voices and empowerment. I am the founder of #KenyaWomenSeries, a platform to curate incredible, inspiring, powerhouse Kenyan women and what they are doing to change the world in their own small and big ways. I help women hoot their trumpets.
I recognise the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the communication and media industry. While this is an ever-evolving industry, one of the aspects that keeps me grounded is mentorship. Mentorship has and continues to play an instrumental role in my personal and professional development. Mentors have been my guiding lights throughout my journey, offering invaluable wisdom, support and encouragement. They have provided me with precious insights, helping me navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and seize opportunities for growth.
Professionally, mentorship has been crucial in helping me refine my skills, broaden my perspective and advance my career. Through regular feedback and guidance from mentors, I have been able to identify and capitalise my strengths while addressing areas of improvement. Their mentorship has not only accelerated my professional growth but has also opened doors to new opportunities and expanded my professional network.
On a personal level, mentors have provided me with invaluable advice and perspective, helping me navigate life complexities and challenges. Their mentorship has instilled in me a sense of resilience, determination, and self-awareness, enabling me to overcome obstacles and thrive in my personal and professional life.
I am deeply grateful to all my mentors who have stuck around and played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, and I look forward to paying it forward by mentoring my mentees. I have a pool of mentees in the communications and media industries under my watch. I am particularly interested in seeing more women stay the course in the newsrooms. During my tenure as the Executive Director at AMWIK, I doubled the recruitment of members in less than a year, the highest ever in its entire 40 years. While I am no longer in that role, I continue to mentor young women in the media industry in Kenya. To whom much is given, much is expected. I hope to grant them the same grace and favour given to me by my mentors.
When all is said and done, I would love to be remembered as an easy, fun-loving human being who appreciates the beauty of life while taking photos and smelling roses.
AUTHOR: PATIENCE NYANGE
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
