BRAND KENYA MP

Kenyan politicians need spin doctors ASAP.Now before anyone chokes at the thought of this lets see who a spin doctor is.This is someone who in otherwise lofty words is defined as a Director of Communications and it is their unenviable job to forestall any negative publicity by presenting a favorable interpretation of the words or actions of a company,politician ,political party or celebrity.

Listening to politicians as they work up crowds it is stunning to hear them deny statements we heard them say on national television less than 24 hours later.It is time that our politicians and other public figures realized that they are brands by themselves.What you say,how you say it how you present yourself says millions about you.My favorite MP has to be Martha Karua she says what needs to be said without pulling any punches,it is a marvel to watch her handle fellow MP'S during debates.She is a brand that is instantly recognizable.

Here is some advice i am providing for free to our honorable members:


Always know what you are going to say: This should be remembered by any aspiring politician and all incumbent ones.We don't want you denying what the whole world saw you say as you worked up a crowd just 24 hours earlier.Spare us the "i was misquoted" or "it was taken out of context rhetoric" by choosing your words carefully.

Choose a cause:Take this like what corporates call CSR nowadays in other words Corporate Social Responsibility.You could choose children rights,gender violence,road safety whatever suits your fancy.And don't forget to stay with that cause in all your actions, words and everything you do.

Be prepared always:Like the girl scout motto says this is especially applicable in front of cameras because as we know , we all go a little crazy when faced by one of these gadgets and we are prone to utter statements that as one Edward Clay put it so aptly-verbal diarrhea.


Have a career progression path:Most people stumble into politics by chance.I have yet to hear of a primary school pupil say that their dream career is becoming a politician.While not denying this is a noble calling often muddled by controversy show us what you can do as an MP(real tangible proof and not lofty ideas) show us solid evidence of what you have done before your declare your candidature for presidency.


Hire a publicity manager:Make sure this person has their ear on the ground we don't want them telling you what you want to hear,we need you to know whats REALLY happening.Someone smart,intelligent and one who can read the public mood without resorting to opinion polls.This is someone who will explain away all your gaffes to the public and will make you smell like one of those over priced designer perfumes we all love so much.

Finally get on twitter,face book and tell everyone what you plan to do for them,give them your vision and mission much like a corporate company does.Then sit back wait for 2012 and hold on to your cash ,the voters don't want it(i hope).