Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the failure by State agencies to remit advertising fees to the government’s advertising agency, a lapse that has left the agency financially crippled.
Appearing before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Broadcasting Principal Secretary Steven Isaboke attributed the agency’s financial woes to delays by other government bodies in settling payments for advertisements.
“The low revenues generated by agencies under my purview are mainly due to delayed payments by other government agencies for their adverts,” said Isaboke.
The lawmakers pressed for explanations on why government institutions were failing to honor their obligations, warning that the delays were jeopardizing the sustainability of the State advertising body.
Isaboke further disclosed that the Ministry is undertaking efforts to modernize equipment at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
He noted that upgrading the public broadcaster’s infrastructure is aimed at boosting its revenue generation capacity and positioning it as a more competitive player in the media sector.
The PAC is expected to continue probing the matter as MPs push for accountability and the timely settlement of government advertising debts.
