Kenyan Gov’t Cancels Advertisements With Leading Media Group After Hard-Hitting Headlines
The Ministry of ICT has cancelled all advertising campaigns with the Standard Group based on administrative advice.
In a letter, Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang’ani removed the media house from a previously approved list of media outlets chosen for an irrigation campaign.
The letter, dated March 14, overturned a decision taken on March 10 concerning the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) campaign.
“Reference is made to your letter Ref. No. MSWI/SDI/ADM/10/82, dated March 10, 2025, on the above subject, and our subsequent response via our letter Ref. No. MICDE/GAA/ADM/1/39 Vol. X (134), which approved the engagement of The Star newspaper, Standard Media Group, and Cape Media for the above campaign,” the letter read in part.
“Please note that, following administrative advice, the inclusion of Standard Media Group has been cancelled. Please proceed to engage The Star, Cape Media, and Nation Media Group for the campaign, alongside the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC),” the letter stated.
Ministry of ICT withdraws advertising placements from Standard Media Group in a directive issued by Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang’ani.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) March 17, 2025
The move effectively severs Standard Media Group from government advertising revenue, shifting state-sponsored placements to The Star,… pic.twitter.com/GV1rG8xTF1
In addition, the letter requested that copies of the approved media houses’ space orders be routinely shared with the Director of the Government Advertising Agency (GAA) to guarantee compliance.
The Standard Newspaper has faced backlash in recent weeks for publishing controversial headlines on prominent government figures, including President William Ruto.
On March 2, a headline that read “Cunning Ruto” elicited a response from the President.
The same day, while speaking at Jesus Winner Ministry, he responded to the media by disputing the charges.
“If you read today’s newspaper, the headline states that Ruto is very cunning,” Ruto stated.
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“I want to tell them that am not as cunning as they think. This is the grace of God that is leading me. We believe in God.”
Other politicians who have faced a similar fate include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who were dubbed “Mere Flower Girls” in the March 9 issue.
The reason behind ICT ministry cancelation of their advert with the standard media group 💉 pic.twitter.com/h3gsLOrScM
— Mandela ✊ (@Makori_254KE) March 17, 2025
Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister and President Ruto’s newest collaborator was labeled as a “Greedy Watchdog” by the paper only the day before.
This development comes just a few hours after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) reported a viral notice alleging that the Standard Group had been put on notice due to the headlines.
Kenyan Gov’t Cancels Advertisements With Leading Media Group After Hard-Hitting Headlines
