Abstract:
Risk communication by the government is important in combating pandemics like COVID-19. This study sought to understand the effect of the government of Kenya’s risk communication on the uptake of COVID-19 public health measures. The study had three research objectives; to explore the influence of the government’s risk communication on preventing miscommunication about COVID-19 public health safety measures; to determine the influence of credibility factors in the use of experts and risk communication on the reception of information about the COVID-19 public health safety measures; and to describe people’s evaluation of whether Government’s risk communication through combative protocols presented a true reflection of the risks and hazards of COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a descriptive research approach. A survey with a sample of n= 400 residents of Nairobi County and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. Findings show that all independent variables are positively and significantly correlated to the uptake of COVID-19 public health measures. The smallest effect was on “Combative Protocols” which had a fair positive correlation to “Uptake of COVID-19 Public Health Measures” at r=.476, p=.000. “Use of Press” attained a moderately strong significant positive correlation at r=.698, p=.000. The highest correlation was registered by “Use of Experts” at r=.722, p=.000. Interviewees reported that the experts used the government used were indeed credible. The study concluded that the “Use Of Experts” was the strongest factor that led to the uptake of COVID-19 public health measures. The “Use of Press” was the second strongest factor leading to the uptake of COVID-19 public health measures. “Use of Combative Protocols” was the weakest factor in leading to the uptake of COVID-19 measures. This study recommends that the government should ensure the messages they share via the press are structured, credible, and responsive to the needs of the public during a crisis. The government should ensure that the experts practice the measures they advocate for. The government should also invest heavily in a public-centered comprehensive communication campaign. This study further recommends that any department facing a crisis should contextualize crisis communication. In addition, the government should conduct crisis communication training for its agents in various departments to ensure they can effectively respond to crises when they occur.
