The Woman
Behind the Words
F.PRSK · Communications Consultant · Chevening Scholar
“I have spent 25 years at the intersection of communication, leadership and purpose — helping organisations find their voice and use it well.”
My Story
Hi, I’m Jane Gitau.
I’m a strategic communications, knowledge management and public relations consultant and I’ve spent over 35 years helping organizations, leaders and institutions find their voice and use it well.
My journey started in a newsroom. From staff writer at Kenya Times to editor, lecturer, NGO communicator, corporate strategist and two-term President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya every role has deepened my belief that clear, honest communication changes outcomes.
I am a Chevening Scholar, a Fellow of the Public Relations Society of Kenya, and in 2022 I was honored as one of Kenya’s 22 PR Warriors professionals recognized for shaping the PR industry across 50 years. It is the recognition I am most proud of, because it came from my peers.
What drives me is curiosity. About how people express themselves. About the food we eat and where it comes from. About where we are going as a society, as a profession, as a continent. The realities of life, culture, governance and gender all find their way into my work and my writing.
“I started as a journalist. I became a communicator. Now I help others find their voice and use it to lead.”
My Story
35 Years of Purposeful Work
From newsroom to boardroom, from Nairobi to Kampala to Cardiff a career shaped by curiosity, commitment and a deep love for the power of words.
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2019
Senior Principal Corporate Communications Officer
Kenya Seed Company Ltd · Kitale, Kenya
Headed all media relations and strategic corporate communications for Kenya’s largest seed company. Rejuvenated the company’s online presence, developed the brand manual, and serves as the CEO’s designated spokesperson. Leads a creative, responsive communications team.
2017
Communications Director
Selwood Consultants · Kenya
Managed all communications strategies and consulting assignments for the firm, providing senior counsel across a range of client briefs.
2014
President (Two Terms)
Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK)
Led Kenya’s premier PR professional body through a transformative period — developing its first 5-year strategic plan, establishing an independent secretariat, reviving the constitution, and drafting the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management (IPRAC) Bill. Read More
2009
Lecturer, Communications & Public Relations
St Paul's University · Nairobi & Limuru, Kenya
Taught communications and public relations to undergraduate and postgraduate students for over a decade, shaping the next generation of Kenya’s communications professionals.
2008
Communication Specialist
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) · Nairobi
Developed internal and external communications strategy for a multi-geography research team operating across Africa, India and Latin America. Translated complex science into accessible content for governments, development partners and farmers.
2002
Corporate Communications Officer & Lecturer
Uganda Christian University · Mukono, Uganda
Established the Corporate Communications/PR office of the university from scratch. Advised the Deputy Vice Chancellor on communications strategy and developed a practical PR curriculum for the academic department.
2002
Corporate Communications Officer & Lecturer
Uganda Christian University · Mukono, Uganda
Established the Corporate Communications/PR office of the university from scratch. Advised the Deputy Vice Chancellor on communications strategy and developed a practical PR curriculum for the academic department.
2000
Programme Officer, Communication & Networking
Eastern African Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) · Kampala
One of three top managers in this pan-African women’s rights NGO. Founded the Eastern African Initiatives magazine, built the first website, and grew the mailing list from 100 to 500+ members. Coordinated East African participation in Beijing +5 at the UN in New York.
1998
Communications Director
Anglican Church of Kenya · Nairobi
Led communications strategy for the entire communion and contributed to the global communications plan for the 1998 Lambeth Conference — the once-in-a-decade gathering of all Anglican bishops worldwide. Introduced the Church of Kenya to the internet age.
1989
Journalist & Communications Officer
Kenya Times · All Africa Press Service · Anglican Church of Kenya
The formative years — from intern journalist at All Africa Press Service to staff writer at Kenya Times, to Communications Officer at the Anglican Church of Kenya. Where the foundation of a 35-year career was laid, word by word.
Leadership & Civic Roles
Shaping the Profession
Africa Public Relations Association (APRA)
Secretary General
Led the continental professional body for two terms, working to grow membership and standards across Africa’s PR industry. Read More
Global Alliance for PR & Communications Management
Regional Delegate for Africa
Represented Africa on the Lugano-based global body for two terms, establishing a regional council for Africa.
Chevening Kenya Alumni Association
Founder & Chair
Founded and led this think tank of UK-educated Kenyan leaders, mobilising 5 funding grants and creating The Chevening Conversation programme.
The Green Belt Movement
Chair, Board of Directors
Led the board of Prof. Wangari Maathai’s iconic environmental movement through a critical change management process. Read More
Kenya Government Taskforce
Vice Chair
Appointed Vice Chair of the Government of Kenya Taskforce on Improvement of Government Information and Public Communications.
Kivulini Food Garage
Patron & Founder
Founded this woman-led community organisation in Trans Nzoia County mentoring young people towards self-reliance and environmental stewardship.
Purpose Over Noise
Every word should serve a purpose. Communications that lacks intention is just noise — and the world has enough of that.
People First
Behind every organisation is a human story. The most powerful communications always starts with deep listening.
Africa's Voice
Africa’s institutions deserve world-class communications. I am committed to building that capacity from within the continent.
Mentorship as Legacy
The greatest thing I can leave behind is a generation of communicators who are better than I was and know it
On The Record
N0table Quotes
Public relations in Africa must stop borrowing frameworks from the West and start building from the richness of our own communication traditions and contexts.
Jane W. Gitau
All Africa Public Relations Conference, Kampala, 2007
The hybrid AGM is not a trend it is the new contract between organisations and their stakeholders. Leaders who ignore this are choosing irrelevance.
Jane W. Gitau
Commentary, 2024
When I planted my first tree, I understood Prof. Wangari Maathai in a new way. Environmental stewardship is not policy — it is personal. It starts in your hands.
Jane W. Gitau
Personal essay, December 2023
Leadership & Civic Roles
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you have a specific consulting brief, a training need, or simply want to explore how Jane might support your organisation — reach out. Every great working relationship begins with a good conversation.