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Kentice Tikolo

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Kentice Libutsuli Tikolo is a well-known strategic communication expert and public relations strategist from Kenya. She is recognized for her significant contributions to public relations in Kenya, having been acknowledged for her work in both the private and public sectors. In addition to her professional roles, she has experience as a scientist, communications and public relations professional, administrator, and sports woman. Notably, she became the first Kenyan woman to chair a board of a men's football team.

Tikolo's career in communications began unexpectedly when she transitioned from serving as the Dean of Students at the Aga Khan Academy to pursuing a diploma in PR & Marketing at the London School of Economics and an MSc in PR from the University of Stirling in Scotland.

In 2008, she received the Golden Honours Award for Excellent Support in Advancing Public Relations Excellence from the Public Relations Society of Kenya. Currently, she serves as the managing director of Cause Impact, a Nairobi-based strategic PR and Communications company that she founded, and also teaches strategic PR and communications at the University of Nairobi.


Background and Education[edit]

Tikolo attended Loreto High School Limuru, Alliance Girls High between 1977 – 1983. She earned her a bachelor's degree in Education[1] (Botany and Zoology) from Kenyatta University, a Master of Public Relations Degree from University of Stirling in Scotland, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi.[2]

She played hockey in school and in university (1984 – 1988) and for the Goan Institute in 1988, basketball (1981 - 1982), volleyball (1978 - 1983) and lawn tennis (1977 – 1980). She participated in national tennis tournaments too. She sprinted (1977 – 1980); competed in 200 metres as well as long jump. She represented her school up to national level.[3]

Tikolo is the daughter of a sporting father who trained as a sports teacher at the Kenyatta University College and played in the Gossage Cup (as the premier football competition- CECAFA- was known at the time), with the late football legend Joe Kadenge. Her eldest son, Jeffrey Tikolo, is a footballer. He has won the footballer of the year title/most valuable player in the league, for his university at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her younger son, Immanuel, is also a footballer.[4]

Privileged with the ability to blend her scientific background with the art of Public Relations & Communications, she is a hands-on and strategic consultant and manager who has executed very high level events at international level.[5]

Career[edit]

Kentice Tikolo's career spans over two decades, during which she has worked with numerous organisations, providing strategic communication and public relations consultancy services. She is the founder and Managing Director of Cause Impact Limited[6] formerly Impact Africa Limited, a communication and public relations consultancy firm based in Nairobi. Under her leadership, the firm has grown to be one of the leading agencies in the region, offering a wide range of services including strategic communication, media relations, crisis communication, corporate communication, digital communication and brand management.[7]

Tikolo started her career as an administrator before sidestepping into public relations where she went on to be Head of Corporate Communications for a large state corporation, Kenya Wildlife Service.[8][9] She re-wrote the Kenya Wildlife Service Strategic Plan 2008-2012 for simplicity, as well as the Annual Report. The Annual Report 2007 that she produced for the corporation won the top prize at the Public Relations Society of Kenya Annual Awards of that year. She has also been a part-time lecturer at the United States International University in Nairobi.[10]

She worked in the public sector as well as international organizations, including CARE International in Kenya and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where she specialized in packaging information for diverse audiences using various communication channels such as magazines, websites, intranets, newsletters, reports, brochures and newspaper articles. At ILRIs predecessor organization- International Laboratory for Research on Animals Diseases (ILRAD), she worked as a research technician in Theileria and Trypanosomiasis where she published a paper on theileriosis.[11]

During the International Conference on Aids and STIs in Africa (ICASA) Nairobi 2003 Conference, Tikolo was seconded by CDC to deputize the scientific coordinator. She was in charge of producing the scientific programme and ensuring its implementation and production of the final report. She planned and managed a subsequent ICASA conference that saw her win a medal from the Ethiopian government.[12]

She has played a key role in developing communication strategies for numerous high-profile projects, collaborating with major corporations, non-governmental organisations, and government bodies. Her efforts have greatly enhanced the public image and stakeholder engagement for these organisations.

Leadership Roles[edit]

Kentice Tikolo has held numerous leadership roles throughout her career. Her leadership is characterised by a strategic vision, innovative thinking, and a commitment to excellence. Some of her notable leadership positions include:

  • Chairperson of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK): As chairperson, Tikolo has played a crucial role in advancing the public relations profession in Kenya. She has worked towards professionalizing the industry and advocating for high ethical standards and best practices among practitioners.
  • Vice Chairman, Khwisero Girls Secondary School: Tikolo also serves as the Chairman of the Academic Committee
  • Chairman, Football Kenya Federation, Electoral Board

Board Memberships[edit]

In addition to her leadership roles, Kentice Tikolo has served on various boards, contributing her expertise and insights to diverse organizations. Her board memberships include:

  • Africa Digna Foundation: Tikolo serves as a board member and leads the University of Nairobi chapter in the scholarships committee.[13]
  • Communication Authority of Kenya: During her tenure on the CA board, Tikolo also held the position of Chairman of the Audit sub-committee.[14]
  • Past Member of the Board ,Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management

The Beyond Zero Campaign[edit]

Tikolo conceptualised and led the team that executed the Kenyan First Lady's Beyond Zero campaign to end maternal and child mortality in Kenya.  The campaign was nominated for three (3) awards in the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) Excellence Awards in 2014. These were Social Campaign of the Year, Sponsorship Campaign of the Year and Not for Profit Campaign.[15]

The Kenya First Lady made a decision to use sporting events such as the London Marathon, where she first lady participated, and created the First Lady's Half Marathon to complement the Beyond Zero Campaign.[16] This saw the campaign provide 14 fully-kitted mobile clinics handed to county governments to boost delivery of services to mothers. The plan was to reach out to all 47 counties as a way of improving the health of women and children. Subsequently, Mrs Kenyatta was named the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year 2014 for her efforts to stop preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the country through the Beyond Zero Campaign. She was selected for successfully raising awareness and funds to address the plight of women and children and in need of quality health care.[17]

Tikolo has gone on to be Chairman of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), earning the honor of Fellow, the highest membership category of the society awarded for excellent contribution.[18] She served as Africa's representative on the board of the Global Alliance for PR & Communication Management.[19]

Honours and Awards[edit]

Kentice Tikolo has been recognised with several prestigious honors and awards throughout her career, reflecting her significant contributions to the fields of communication, public relations, and sports administration. Here are some of the notable accolades she has received:

  • Golden Honours Award: In 2008, Kentice Tikolo was awarded the Golden Honours Award for Excellent Support in Advancing Public Relations Excellence by the Public Relations Society of Kenya.[20]
  • Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW): Tikolo has been a recipient of the Order of the Grand Warrior, a recognition awarded by the Government of Kenya for her outstanding contributions.[21]
  • PRSK Warrior Awards: These awards are given for excellence in the field of public relations, and Tikolo has been honoured with this award, showcasing her leadership and impact in the industry.[22]
  • Silver Medal from the Government of Ethiopia: This medal acknowledges Tikolo’s pivotal role in coordinating the success of the ICASA conference.[23]
  • PRSK Award for the Beyond Zero Campaign: For her role in ensuring the success of Kenya’s First Lady’s Half Marathon, which is part of the Beyond Zero Campaign, Tikolo received an award from the Public Relations Society of Kenya.[24]

Legacy and Impact[edit]

Kentice Tikolo's work leaves a lasting impression on the field of public relations in Kenya. Her strategic insights and leadership have helped shape the communication landscape, and her influence continues to inspire many in the industry. As a trailblazer in her field, Tikolo's legacy is marked by her dedication to excellence, innovation, and her unwavering commitment to advancing the profession of public relations.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "FKF Electoral Board chair aims for genuine polls". Daily Nation. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  2. ^ "FKF Electoral Board chair aims for genuine polls". Daily Nation. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  3. ^ "FKF Electoral Board chair aims for genuine polls". Daily Nation. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  4. ^ "FKF Electoral Board chair aims for genuine polls". Daily Nation. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  5. ^ "University of Nairobi Personal Websites". University of Nairobi Personal Websites. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Leading Public Relations & Communication Management Agency in Kenya". Cause Impact Limited. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Services". Cause Impact Limited. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Zebras, Lions and Hyperkalemia". Seminars in Dialysis. 8 (3): 174. 1 October 2007. doi:10.1111/j.1525-139x.1995.tb00371.x. ISSN 0894-0959. S2CID 222205342.
  9. ^ AP, Sayyid Azim / (6 January 2010). "Elephant tramples U.S. mom, baby girl to death". msnbc.com. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  10. ^ "United States International University", Wikipedia, 27 February 2024, retrieved 10 June 2024
  11. ^ "MESHA BID 13th June 10pm - WFSJ" (PDF). WSF. July 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  12. ^ "Curriculum Vitae" (PDF). University of Nairobi. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  13. ^ "Committee for the selection of scholarships – Fundación África Digna". Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  14. ^ https://www.ca.go.ke/sites/default/files/2023-05/Annual-Report-For-the-Financial-Year-2017-2018
  15. ^ Today, Business (14 April 2016). "Beyond Zero Campaign nominated for PRSK award". Business Today Kenya. Retrieved 2 July 2020. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ "Kentice Tikolo". Cause Impact Limited. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  17. ^ Today, Business (14 April 2016). "Beyond Zero Campaign nominated for PRSK award". Business Today Kenya. Retrieved 2 July 2020. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  18. ^ "Kentice Tikolo". Public Relations Society of Kenya. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  19. ^ "Kentice Tikolo — News". Global Alliance. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Kentice Tikolo", Wikipedia, 31 May 2024, retrieved 10 June 2024
  21. ^ "Kentice Tikolo". Cause Impact Limited. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  22. ^ "Cause Impact Limited on LinkedIn: #awardwinning #excellence". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Kentice Tikolo". Cause Impact Limited. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  24. ^ "Beyond Zero Campaign nominated for PRSK award - Business Today Kenya". 30 November 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
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