The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation has been handed exclusive rights to air all radio and TV announcements from the national government.
This means all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that fall under the national government; independent commissions’ as well public universities will be required to advertise through the state-owned broadcaster.
The decision according to Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Edward Kisiangani is part of a wider strategy to ensure a smooth flow of public sector advertising services.
The move, he noted, also aligns with the government policy of reviving ailing public sector entities and ensuring that any public-private partnership is not skewed against public sector institutions.
“It has been deemed prudent to initiate measures to ensure that as public sector advertisers seek to access their target audiences through campaigns and other statutory announcements, the Government leverages on the provisions within its realm to revive and fully utilize its institutions,” he said.
In a communiqué to all dated March 7, Kisiangani has noted that the national network coverage commanded by KBC gives assurance for a nationwide reach by advertisers.
The government, he added, is keen to revive the broadcaster through a modernization framework that will make it the premier national broadcaster in Africa.
“This effort requires the national broadcaster to take the lead in the dissemination of information in Kenya,” he said.
The letter has been addressed to principal secretaries, CEOs of state corporations, regulatory bodies and councils (SAGAs), independent commissions and vice chancellors of public varsities.
“The purpose of this communication, therefore, is to bring this new policy decision to your attention and to request you to take the necessary action as and when required,” he stated.
The adverts to be aired will, however, have to be cleared by the Government Advertising Agency which is tasked with coordinating all public sector advertisements.
The communication, Kisiangani has noted, is in line with the Treasury's Circular No. 09/2015 of July 10, 2015, which communicated the Cabinet decision to centralize public sector advertising.
The centralization of public sector advertising, he noted, is in line with the government's desire to cut costs through a coordinated and well-managed procurement process that ensures maximum service levels at minimal costs.
“The current situation where government owes media houses a substantial amount of money in pending bills calls for adoption of strategies,” he noted.
