ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has warned that media houses which “continuously hit the government” should not expect state advertising revenue, even as he pledged to streamline payments and push through major reforms in the public broadcaster.
Speaking during the Kenya Editors Guild Convention in Kilifi on November 28, Kabogo said the government was committed to media freedom but insisted that commercial realities would influence where public advertising money goes.
“For government advertising to be spread, that is a fair ask. But if you are a commercial entity and your job is to continuously hit the government, then it will be difficult for the government to put money in your basket,” he said. “There must be some relationship.”
Kabogo said he had instructed the ministry to ensure all government advertising bills are settled promptly
“The Bible says you shall be paid for the work you have done,” he told delegates.
“I have asked the ministry to ensure that all government advertising is paid on time so we don’t bite more than we can chew.”
The CS reiterated his commitment to openness and dialogue with the media.
“I am a listening CS, my door is open. Raise the issues and bring them to me,” he said. “Journalists being killed is not government policy. We will face our truth, but be fair in your reporting.”
Kabogo also announced ongoing restructuring plans for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), saying an overhaul was long overdue.
“I came in about nine months ago and asked how many people work at KBC. I was given an approximate,” he said.
“It took six months to procure biometrics. We have now procured close to three million shillings per month and we are hoping to split public and commercial broadcasting so that the public side is financed by the Treasury.”
He further disclosed that the government has approved the sale of part of Postal Corporation of Kenya’s land to offset longstanding debts.
“I have an approval to allow Postal Corporation to sell part of its land to pay its bills. This should be done in 60 days,” he said.
Kabogo urged media and government actors to work collaboratively, saying “media freedom is coming, and working together in this space is important.”
