Kabogo taken to task over KBC's Sh108 billion debts

ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has come under scrutiny from Members of Parliament over his request for an increase in the budget allocation to his ministry, amid Sh108.8 billion in pending bills at the State broadcaster.

Kabogo, who appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, emphasised the urgent need for increased funding and a rationalised budget to clear the pending bills and support various initiatives.

During the consideration of the 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates presented by Kabogo, several MPs raised concerns about what they described as inefficiencies, budget misalignment, and a lack of coordination at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

“KBC has pending bills totalling Sh108.8 billion, with Sh90.7 billion being a loan from the Government of Japan, which the National Treasury should consider writing off, while Sh18.1 billion is for recurrent expenditure,” Kabogo said.

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He told the Committee, chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, that budget cuts in the sector would undermine the implementation of expansionary policies aimed at achieving universal digital and telecommunication access.

“The State Department of Broadcasting has pending bills amounting to Sh874.3 million, which includes Sh865 million for government advertising. This figure does not include pending bills for KBC and the Postal Corporation of Kenya,” Kabogo added.

Legislators demanded a radical transformation of KBC before any further budgetary allocations could be considered, expressing concerns about the gap between planned budgets and the actual execution of projects.

Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai raised concerns about project duplication, questioning why the ministry runs a Centre of Excellence, digital hubs, and Studio Mashinani under separate programmes, resulting in overlapping initiatives.

Isiolo Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya questioned the fairness in the distribution of the 15 Studio Mashinani projects, stating that they could not support the allocation of funds when there was a lack of equity.

Mbooni MP Kivasu Nzioka expressed concern over poor project execution, questioning the status of salary arrears and stalled projects, citing the Studio Mashinani initiative. He said that out of the 15 planned studios, only four had been completed.

Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Bensouda urged KBC to adopt financial prudence and explore strategic partnerships, including collaboration with competitors and knowledge sharing. She suggested the broadcaster should cut down on unnecessary travel and redirect funds towards genuine transformation.

Baringo Woman Rep Jematiah Sergon stressed that KBC required repackaging and rebranding, emphasising the urgent need for modernisation, content innovation, and improved audience engagement.

Nominated MP Umulkher Harun argued that the Studio Mashinani concept was outdated.

“We cannot fund KBC simply because it is a national broadcaster. You must provide justification. If your services are valuable, people will seek them. If not, they will not,” said Harun.

In response, KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye committed to leading a comprehensive transformation of KBC, aligning the State broadcaster with modern broadcasting standards and digital trends.