MPs grill Media Council of Kenya over Sh4.5 million allowances and audit irregularities

Members of the National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Social Services during the meeting with MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo and senior management on June 3, 2026. (Photo: Parliament of Kenya)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Thursday, June 4, 2026

MPs questioned the Media Council of Kenya over revenue collection, unsupported allowances worth Sh4.5 million, governance delays and other audit concerns, directing the institution to submit supporting documents within a week.

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over governance and financial management at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), questioning audit findings on revenue collection from accreditation fees and media levies, as well as unsupported allowances amounting to Sh4.5 million.

Appearing before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture, MCK management, led by Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, was tasked with responding to audit queries covering several financial years.

The Committee, chaired by Emmanuel Wangwe, expressed dissatisfaction with the Council’s responses, saying they did not adequately address issues raised by the Office of the Auditor-General.

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Further concerns were raised over rental payments made under an unsigned lease agreement, as well as expenditure on ICT systems whose supporting documentation was deemed insufficient.

The Committee also questioned delays in constituting key governance bodies within the Council, including the Council itself and the Media Complaints Commission, both established under the Media Council Act.

In response, Omwoyo attributed the delays to court proceedings that stalled the appointment process. He noted that the court orders were lifted in June 2025, allowing the process to resume. He added that the Council was fully reconstituted after appointments were gazetted in November.

"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."

The Committee directed the Media Council of Kenya to submit properly labelled annexures, schedules and supporting documents within one week to support the finalisation of its report and recommendations to the National Assembly.