Parliament Demands Answers Over Ksh500M MyGov Advertising Spend
Parliament has raised alarm over the staggering Ksh500 million spent on MyGov advertising. The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications now faces intense scrutiny. The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wants answers—and fast.
The Auditor-General’s report for the year ending June 2023 triggered the uproar. It flagged questionable payments made through the Government Advertising Agency (GAA). This agency places government notices in the MyGov pullout, published by contracted newspapers.
Missing Records, Mounting Questions
On Tuesday, PAC Chair and Butere MP Tindi Mwale demanded transparency. He said, “We’ve asked for circulation data repeatedly. Still, GAA has failed to provide verifiable records.”
MPs pressed for clarity. They want to know how many copies were printed, distributed, or returned. So far, no concrete figures have emerged.
According to the Auditor-General, the State Department spent Ksh495,389,974 on advertising and printing. Yet, revenue from MyGov ads didn’t match the expenditure. Contracts showed a significant shortfall.
Revenue Projections Fall Flat
In defense, a government official, Isaboke, denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “There’s no policy discriminating against any media house.” However, he admitted that revenue projections missed the mark.
He explained, “We expected Ksh1 billion. We only received Ksh441 million due to delayed payments by ministries and agencies.”
MPs Demand Accountability
Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar didn’t hold back. He accused the agency of reckless spending. “This is turning into another window of looting,” he warned.
Namuar urged the government to rethink its strategy. He said, “Let’s shift from costly print adverts to digital platforms. It’s time.”
Deadline Set for Answers
PAC Chair Mwale issued a firm directive. He ordered the State Department to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The report must include circulation figures and financial breakdowns.
Public Reaction Builds
This revelation has stirred public concern. Citizens are demanding accountability. Many wonder how such a massive budget was approved without proper oversight.
As Parliament digs deeper, the pressure mounts. Will the State Department come clean? Or will this controversy expose deeper cracks in government spending?
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Parliament Demands Answers Over Ksh500M MyGov Advertising Spend
