Government Cancels Standard Group Contract
Standard Group has suffered a major setback after the government, through Broadcasting Principal Secretary (PS) Edward Kisiang’ani, canceled its media contract with the Ministry of Irrigation. The decision follows what has been termed as critical coverage of government affairs.
The media house had been part of a campaign to launch the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), alongside Nation Media Group (NMG), The Star, Cape Media, and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). However, a letter from the ICT Ministry to Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho stated that Standard Group’s involvement had been revoked.
The letter, signed by Michael Okidi on behalf of PS Kisiang’ani, emphasized that the removal was based on “administrative advice.” This cancellation comes amid growing tensions between the government and independent media houses.
Disrupted Advertising Campaigns
The contract, signed on March 13, 2025, was expected to feature advertisements and interviews with government officials across Standard Group platforms, including its newspapers, radio, and television stations. However, the abrupt decision disrupted scheduled programming.
A planned 9 PM interview with Irrigation PS Kimotho on KTN was canceled at the last minute. Other scheduled interviews, including a radio session and a planned sit-down with the Cabinet Secretary, were also affected.
Standard Group had prepared to run stories and interviews as part of the campaign, but the sudden cancellation threw the entire project into uncertainty. This move raises questions about the government’s handling of media contracts and press freedom.
Ongoing Legal Battle Over MyGov Contract
The Standard Group is already embroiled in another legal battle against the government over a separate canceled contract. The company, alongside Nation Media Group and People Daily, is challenging the Ruto administration’s decision to strip them of the right to distribute MyGov, a government publication.
The contract was instead awarded exclusively to The Star, a decision that sparked controversy. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a case arguing that the move limited public access to crucial government information.
MyGov was introduced during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to provide information about government projects. Initially, the publication was distributed through multiple newspapers, but in December 2023, the Kenya Kwanza government centralized its distribution.
Legal Arguments Against the Government
LSK contends that Standard Group and other affected media houses had a wider national reach than The Star, which primarily circulates in Nairobi. Lawyer Peter Wanjiku, representing LSK, argued that awarding the contract to a single entity lacked transparency and denied Kenyans vital government updates.
Additionally, the establishment of the Government Advertising Agency (GAA), which manages MyGov, was allegedly done without legal backing or public participation. LSK’s CEO, Florence Muturi, submitted an affidavit highlighting these concerns.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, presiding over the case, is expected to deliver his ruling soon after delaying the judgment initially scheduled for March 13. The verdict could significantly impact media-government relations in Kenya.
Media Suppression and Political Pressure
Standard Group’s troubles extend beyond contracts, as it faces increasing political pressure for its critical reporting. A wave of coordinated attacks has emerged online, attempting to discredit the media house.
Social media platforms have seen the spread of misinformation, including a fake letter purportedly from the Capital Markets Authority, claiming that Standard Group was being sold to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini. Allegations also surfaced suggesting the Media Council of Kenya had issued warnings over the group’s reporting.
These attacks coincide with growing government frustration over critical media coverage. Some Kenya Kwanza politicians claim that media houses, including Standard Group, are biased against the administration.
Push for Media Regulation in Parliament
Members of Parliament, led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have been vocal about the need to curb what they term as “media misinformation.” During a parliamentary debate, Ichung’wah accused journalists of distorting facts, particularly regarding a bill seeking to limit the powers of Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also weighed in, suggesting stricter regulations on media houses. Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei went further, calling for the revocation of journalists’ accreditations, claiming that misreporting was damaging parliamentary work.
These statements raise concerns about the state of press freedom in Kenya. The aggressive stance taken by government officials against critical journalism signals a worrying trend of media suppression.
Concerns Over Press Freedom
Kenya has historically prided itself on having a relatively free press compared to other countries in the region. However, recent actions by the government suggest increasing intolerance toward independent journalism.
The cancellation of Standard Group’s contract and the legal battle over MyGov are part of a broader pattern. Government agencies now direct their advertisements exclusively to specific media houses, further squeezing independent news outlets.
Such moves could lead to a heavily censored media environment, where only government-friendly narratives dominate. Journalists and media watchdogs warn that if the trend continues, Kenya’s press freedom rankings could decline significantly.
Media Industry Fights Back
Despite mounting pressure, media houses, civil society groups, and legal experts are pushing back against government suppression. The Standard Group, NMG, and PD have maintained their stance in court, arguing for fair media practices.
The Media Council of Kenya has also warned against political interference, emphasizing the need for journalistic independence. Media stakeholders are calling on international watchdogs to monitor the situation, fearing that press freedom is under direct attack.
A Future of Media Uncertainty
The fate of Standard Group and other independent media houses remains uncertain as the government intensifies its crackdown. The upcoming court ruling on the MyGov contract will set a crucial precedent for future government-media relations.
Meanwhile, the cancellation of the irrigation contract sends a strong message to media houses that government contracts are conditional on favorable coverage. As the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to push its agenda, journalists will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure.
For now, Standard Group stands firm, but the battle for press freedom in Kenya is far from over.
