NAIROBI – In an age where falsehood can travel faster than fact, Kenya’s Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has issued a clear message to marketers: stay ahead of the technology curve, or risk falling behind the truth.
Speaking at a high-profile breakfast hosted by the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) in Nairobi, Mr Isaboke urged marketing professionals to equip themselves with the tools and understanding needed to counter the growing threat of misinformation, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.
“The line between truth and propaganda is very thin,” he warned. “AI runs on structured data, but that data can be skewed. Marketers must understand how these systems work in order to protect the integrity of the message.”
The event, held on Friday, brought together key players from both the private and public sectors. Its theme, “Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Redefining the Role of Marketing in Business Leadership”, struck a timely chord. Mr Isaboke said it reflected a shift in the perception of marketing from a support function to a driver of business and national leadership.
“In today’s world of instant feedback and vocal consumers, the marketer is not an afterthought. They shape public perception, amplify the voice of the customer, and in many ways, are the conscience of the brand,” he said.
Marketers as Nation Builders
Mr Isaboke encouraged marketers to view their work through a broader lens—beyond brands and bottom lines. He called on them to be storytellers of national progress, helping showcase the achievements of both government and industry in a clear, compelling light.
“Let us see marketers not just as brand builders, but as nation builders,” he said. “It’s time we saw marketing as a force for national progress.”
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply woven into public life, he added, marketers must act as “true North” in guiding how organisations communicate—anchoring messages in truth, empathy, and a deep understanding of audience needs.
Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Mr Isaboke said he learned that effective leadership is less about having the answers, and more about asking the right questions and listening to others.
“Leadership today must be inclusive, insight-driven, and rooted in collaboration,” he said. “And when you rise, lift others with you. Every ceiling broken becomes a floor for someone else.”
A Call for Courage and Clarity
In a rousing close, the Principal Secretary encouraged marketers especially women and emerging leaders—to stop waiting for permission to lead.
“Dare to dream big. Claim your seat at the leadership table not with apology, but with authority,” he said. “Let’s not just peer through the glass ceiling. Let’s shatter it with clarity, confidence, and courage.”
The breakfast was attended by MSK Chairperson Zuhura Odhiambo, International Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Patrick Obath, Re-Imagine Impact CEO Sicily Kariuki, WPP Scangroup’s Patricia Ithau, and other high-level guests from across the communications and business sectors.
For many in the room, it was more than a call to update one’s tech skills it was a challenge to redefine what it means to lead.
