Set up media outlets, county bosses urged

Nation Media Group Chief Executive Officer Linus Gitahi during the 2015 Governors’ Summit in Naivasha on February 26, 2015. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |

What you need to know:

  • NMG CEO Linus Gitahi says company is willing to partner with counties.
  • He called on county governments to go digital in their operations to improve service delivery.

County governments have been urged to set up their own media outlets.

Nation Media Group Chief Executive Officer Linus Gitahi on Friday said the company would be willing to partner with counties in such ventures, which will result in the growth of the industry.

“We shall not see you as competitors but partners as we provide the national content,” said Mr Gitahi.

He spoke during the governors’ summit at Enashipai Resort and Spa in Naivasha.

He said the leading local media houses were not opposed to digital migration but Pay TV providers charging consumers to view content they have not produced.

Mr Gitahi called on county governments to go digital in their operations to improve service delivery.

Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi said his government had applied for a licence to set up a radio station.

BOUGHT TABLETS AND COMPUTERS

He said the county government had bought tablets and computers in its drive to digitise county operations.

“We have also recruited an ICT director and moved all our revenue collection from manual systems to digital ones. The county has set up ICT kiosks within the town, where residents can access free internet,” said Mr Ndathi.

Narok Deputy Governor Evelyn Aruasa said despite criticism from some local leaders, the devolved unit had automated most of its operations, thus enhancing revenue collection.

“From the comfort of my office, I can monitor what is happening at the Sekenani Gate of the Maasai Mara,” she said.

Mandera Governor Ali Roba said revenue collection in his county had increased from Sh30 million to Sh125 million annually since the automation of systems.

He said other departments were currently being digitised to improve efficiency.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said his government had already started a monthly publication that highlights developments and events in the region.