Gatundu South Member of Parliament (MP) Gabriel Kagombe is set to table a Bill in Parliament on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, seeking to reduce government advertisements on mainstream media.
Speaking at Mutunguru Secondary School on Saturday, July 1, 2023, during the launch of the high-speed internet, Kagombe said that the media has a habit of reporting negative things about the government.
The legislator added that the media has failed to look at the log in their eyes, focusing on negative criticism of the government.
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"Naona hii watu ya magazeti mko hapa, mtawachana na sisi, hamuwezi kuwa kazi yenu ni kuandika mambo ya mbaya serikali, lakini yenu ile mnafanya hamwambii watu," Kagombe said.
The Gatundu South MP now wants to amend Article 62 of the Procurement Act, which dictates that a government advert must be placed on two newspapers with national circulation.
In his speech, Kagombe also revealed that he has already presented the amendment proposal to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
"Sasa mimi nimeleta amendment kwa Procurement Act ambayo nimeshafikisha kwa Speaker kwamba kipengele cha sitini na mbili ambacho kinasema advertisement ya serikali lazima iwekwe katika gazeti mbili wit National circulation... sasa hiyo mambo imekwisha," Kagombe said.
Kagombe added that the procurement will advocate for the funds used in advertising on the mainstream media to be redirected to digital spaces.
He accused the media of underperforming when it comes to the dissemination of information that the government wants to share with the public through newspapers.
Kagombe faulted the print media for circulating minimal copies whenever they are mandated to spread information that the government has advertised in the newspaper.
"Sisi tumegundua kwamba mnaprint 20,000 copies halafu mnasema mmefikishia kila mtu , sasa tunataka hawa vijana wanafanya kazi kwa digital Ikiwemo hii shule ya Mutunguru where tumeleta high speed internet wapate kubenefit kutoka kwa serikali," Kagombe claimed.
The lawmaker from Gatundu South, also said that the move would also be beneficial to youths that have enrolled in the Ajira government program, since the funds used in the mainstream media advertisement, would then be channelled to the digital space once the amendment takes place.
"Kwa hivyo amendments will be coming on Wednesday kwa bunge ndio sasa hawa vijana wanafanya kazi ya Ajira wapate ajira kutoka kwa serikali," Kagombe said.
Media attacks
Speaking during the launch, the Gatundu MP further threw stains at the media claiming that they 'pocket government money and still fabricate lies in the form of stories attacking the government'.
He insisted the actions of the media are the main reason he wants to amend the procurement act.
"Naona hii watu ya magazeti mko hapa, mtawachana na sisi, hamuwezi kuwa kazi yenu ni kuandika mambo ya mbaya serikali, lakini yenu ile mnafanya hamwambii watu," Kagombe said.
The sentiments of Gatundu South MP are in line with the thoughts of the Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria who had ordered all the government officials not to advertise with Nation Media.
Speaking during a religious gathering in Embu two weeks ago, Kuria said that Nation Media must decide whether they are a media house, newspaper or an opposition party.
He further threatened government officials claiming that they would lose their jobs if they placed adverts on Nation Media.
“I want to tell Nation Media, you need to choose whether you are a newspaper, broadcasting house or an opposition party. From today, not even tomorrow, if any government department advertises with Nation Media, know you are on your way home," Kuria threatened.
Kuria's attacks on the media were strongly condemned by media stakeholders such as the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) who demanded that he resigns from his position in government, claiming that he was setting a bad example to people who look up to him.
