MPs turn down ministry of Information budget proposals

Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation chair John Kiarie during a meeting with Information ministry

 

MPs have rejected budget proposal by the ministry Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and demanded accountability

Members of the Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie insisted they wanted results and expected more than promises.

The Committee rejected the ministry’s budget, citing vague allocations and lack of clear breakdowns.

“Blanket variation in budget is wrong and can’t be allowed,” stated Bomachoge Chache Alfah Miruka.

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto pointed out the inconsistency of allocating Sh350 million for refurbishing the Directorate of Information headquarters while KIMC’s Eldoret branch received no funding.

“There is a misalignment of priorities,” he noted.

Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo stated: “You can’t ask for Sh1.5 billion for personal emoluments—how many staff do you have and what do they do?”

Information, Communications and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo had appeared before members accompanied by Principal Secretaries Edward Kisiang’ani (Broadcasting and Telecommunications) and John Tanui (ICT and Digital Economy).

Information, Communications and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo speaks during a meeting with Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation.

Kabogo presented the Ministry’s achievements, highlighting the rollout of the digital superhighway, enhanced connectivity through 1,450 constituency digital hubs, and the digitisation of government services aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.

But the committee was unimpressed, questioning the ministry’s visibility and its impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

“We don’t want to be a government that just speaks and doesn’t deliver,” asserted Wandeto.

Miruka echoed the sentiment, questioning, “People don’t know what digital hubs are and what the Ministry actually does. How are you changing that?”

Kimaiyo pressed, “Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t working, what are your achievements halfway through the term?”

In response, Tanui acknowledged challenges with sustainability but assured the committee that solutions were in progress.

Addressing KBC’s Sh52 billion debt, Kabogo acknowledged the challenges, stating that the ministry was focused on streamlining the operations of the corporation before seeking additional funding.

Yet, the committee remained unsatisfied, emphasising the need for tangible outcomes.

“We want to hear you, feel you, and see you in public,” urged Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Bensouda, reflecting the public’s demand for more visibility and impact from the Ministry.

Kisiang’ani made a heartfelt plea, “When budget cuts come, they start with communication, yet there’s a complaint that the Ministry of Communication isn’t doing its work,” he stated.