The government through the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, on behalf of the government, has mandated that all electronic advertisements from public sector entities such as ministries, departments, agencies, independent commissions, and public universities must be channeled through the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), subject to approval from the Government Advertising Agency.
Principal Secretary Edward Waswa Kisiang’ani, in a press release issued on March 7, 2024, cited Section 103 (2e) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which permits direct procurement for goods, works, or services provided by a public entity, provided that the acquisition price is deemed fair and reasonable.
“In light of the foregoing, all public sector electronic (radio and television) advertisements from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that fall under the National Government, Independent Commissions and Public Universities shall be handled by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) upon authorization by the Government Advertising Agency (GM),” Kisiang’ani said in a circular to all Ministries.
According to the PS the directive is intended to capitalize on the extensive reach of KBC’s nationwide network and to rejuvenate the corporation through a modernization initiative, aiming to position it as the premier national broadcaster in Africa for information dissemination.
The PS further stated the decision draws upon a 2015 circular from the National Treasury, which established the Government Advertising Agency to centralize public sector advertising, streamline costs, and ensure an efficient procurement process, offering optimal service at minimal expense.
Given the significant outstanding debts owed to media houses by the government, the circular underscores the need for strategies to facilitate the smooth flow of public sector advertising while also striving to eliminate debt and revitalize struggling public entities, all while maintaining equitable treatment across public institutions.
