Broadcasting PS Stephen Isaboke grilled over Sh500m gov't adverts

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Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised questions over how the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications spent more than Sh500 million on the government’s MyGov publication.

The committee, chaired by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, on Tuesday pressed Broadcasting Principal Secretary (PS) Stephen Isaboke to account for the money, amid claims that taxpayers may not have received value for it.

What is MyGov?

MyGov is a weekly pullout that carries government notices and adverts. It is printed and distributed by contracted newspapers under the Government Advertising Agency (GAA).

What triggered the probe?

An Auditor-General’s report flagged Sh495 million paid to four(4) media houses in the financial year ending June 2023 for printing, advertising, and information supply services.

The audit noted that while the government spent heavily, the revenue generated from adverts in MyGov did not match the amounts paid to publishers. It concluded that “value for money could not be confirmed.”

MPs’ concerns

Circulation doubts: MPs argued there is no clear record of how many copies were printed, distributed, or returned.

Payments to closed outlets: Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe questioned why People Daily allegedly received payments even after stopping print circulation.

Revenue shortfalls: The GAA projected Sh1 billion in advertising revenue but collected only Sh441 million. MPs warned this shortfall could point to over-projection and possible misuse.

Overspending: Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar accused the agency of spending beyond its Treasury allocation.

PS Isaboke’s defence

Appearing before PAC for the first time since his appointment, Mr Isaboke defended the agency, saying, "At the time under review, People Daily was still operational and had a valid contract.

"Centralising advertising under GAA has reduced costs compared to the pre-GAA era.

"Revenue shortfalls were caused by ministries and agencies failing to pay on time.

“While digital adverts would be cheaper, the law still requires certain notices to be published in print.”

What happens next?

PAC has directed the State Department to provide within two(2) weeks:

Verified circulation data for MyGov.

A comparison of government advertising costs before and after GAA was created.

Evidence that all payments to publishers matched services delivered.