A parliamentary committee has warned that delayed payments to the Government Advertising Agency (GAA) could cripple its work and disrupt government communication.
Nearly Sh1 Billion in Debt
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, heard that ministries, departments, and state agencies (MDAs) owe the GAA Sh991 million.
- The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) tops the list with Sh170 million.
- Other defaulters include the Kenya Forest Service (Sh36m), Kenya Film Classification Board (Sh36m), Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (Sh34m), and the Media Council of Kenya (Sh10m).
Officials from the Ministry of Broadcasting and GAA admitted that payments are often delayed due to late exchequer releases by the National Treasury.
MPs Demand Accountability
Committee members expressed frustration. Mwale accused officials of shielding defaulters instead of allowing Parliament to intervene.
“If you make that clear, the committee can compel them to pay. But if you continue to defend them, you will go back to your office with the same problem,” he said.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo suggested that adverts only be placed when funds are confirmed. Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda added that arrears should be flagged as audit issues to force action.
Tougher Enforcement Ahead
GAA Director Michael Okidi said new rules will tighten control. MDAs must now issue Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) or Local Service Orders (LSOs) before adverts are placed. Agencies with arrears above Sh2 million will also be blocked from new bookings.
Officials added that accounting officers will be held personally liable for debts.
Debate on GAA’s Role
The crisis has revived debate on whether GAA, created in 2015 to centralize government advertising, is still effective. Critics say its usefulness is in doubt if services and payments are delayed.
However, Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke defended the agency. He argued that GAA helps cut inflated media rates and ensures consistent government communication.
Still, MPs warned that without urgent reforms, the ballooning debt could paralyze services and undermine public information campaigns.
