Thursday, 4 June, 2026
The National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture has raised concerns over a series of audit queries touching on governance, financial management, revenue collection and accountability at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, met with MCK Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Omwoyo and senior management to examine audit reports covering the financial years 2013/2014 to 2024/2025.
Members of the Committee expressed concern that several responses submitted by the Council failed to adequately address specific audit observations raised by the Office of the Auditor-General.
"We are giving you a chance to explain so that we can write a proper report and defend it on the Floor of the House. If that explanation does not come, then we have a problem," Hon. Owino stated.
The Committee particularly questioned unsupported council allowances amounting to Kshs. 4.5 million, irregular rental payments made under an unsigned lease agreement, gaps in revenue collection from accreditation fees and media levies, and expenditure on ICT systems whose supporting documentation was found wanting.
On audit query relating to unsupported council allowances amounting to Kshs.4.5 million. Auditors had questioned the expenditure after supporting records, including invitation letters, travel documents, passport copies, certificates of attendance and back-to-office reports, were not provided during the audit process.
Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe sought clarification on the matter, asking management to explain why the records had not been availed when required.
"How about the issue of unsupported council allowances?" he asked.
The Council was also questioned over delays in constituting its governing structures, including the Council itself and the Media Complaints Commission, both of which are provided for under the Media Council Act.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Omwoyo attributed the delays to prolonged court cases that affected the appointment process.
"The process was challenged in court and a court order stopping the process was issued pending determination of the issues raised by the petitioner," Omwoyo told the Committee.
He explained that the legal hurdles significantly delayed the reconstitution of the Council despite efforts by the parent Ministry to fill the vacant positions.
"On the 20th of June 2025, the court lifted these orders allowing the Cabinet Secretary to proceed with the appointment," he said.
According to the CEO, the process was subsequently concluded and the remaining members appointed, paving the way for the full restoration of the Council's governance structures.
"The process was completed and the final four Council members required to complete the composition were appointed by a Gazette Notice issued on the 28th of November," he said.
"The Council is now fully constituted and continues to undertake its oversight function as envisaged by the PFMA Act by forming the Audit Committee and approving the strategic plan," he added.
On revenue collection, Members sought clarification on discrepancies between the number of accredited journalists and the revenue reported from accreditation fees and licences.
While responding to the concerns, Mr. Omwoyo explained that accredited journalists paid different categories of fees depending on their status, including students, local journalists and foreign correspondents, resulting in varying revenue outcomes.
The Committee directed the Media Council of Kenya to submit properly labelled annexures, schedules and supporting documents within one week to aid the preparation of its report and recommendations to the House.