Comedian Chipukeezy Explains Why His Show Stopped Airing On KBC

Popular comedian Vincent Mwasia Mutua, popularly known as Chipukeezy, has explained why his popular 'The Chipukeezy Show' stopped airing on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) station.

The comedian revealed that the show ceased being broadcast through the state-owned media house after it had failed to settle payments owed to him and his team running into nearly five months.

According to a statement released by Ufalme Entertainment director Michael Muthama and obtained by Viral Tea, the payment arrears can be traced back to November 2023.

The delays forced the show to cease airing as the concerned parties pursued an amicable solution.

KBC offices in Nairobi. /FILE

"We hope this message finds you well. We at Ufalme Entertainment would like to address a matter that has been of concern to many of you.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the ongoing delay in payments from our media partner, KBC. Since November, we have encountered significant delays in receiving payments from KBC, despite our best efforts to uphold our commitments to all stakeholders involved in the production of The Chipukeezy Show," read the statement in part.

Muthama added that the delays affected the production of the show which has not been aired on KBC for months, as well as put the relationships of its partners and suppliers at risk.

However, fans were promised that the show would resume viewing once the pending issues regarding payment were resolved.

"As a production company dedicated to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity, we understand the impact that these delays can have on our valued partners, suppliers, and artists. We want to assure you that we are actively engaging with KBC to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible fans for your unwavering support! Your favourite program is set to resume soon on KBC, once we resolve the pending issues promising more inspiration and empowerment," added the statement.

Ufalme Entertainment did not however reveal how much the state broadcaster owes them.

KBC is currently banking on numerous initiatives by the government aimed at supporting the national broadcaster and returning it to productivity amidst the era of digital disruption.

Last month, the government directed all government agencies, independent commissions and public universities to air their TV and radio adverts through the state-owned broadcaster.

Principal Secretary of the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof. Edward Kisiang'ani who highlighted that the directive was part of targeted reforms at turning around the financial fortunes of the national broadcaster.

The PS indicated that the move was in response to a Treasury circular issued on July 10, 2015, that communicated the Cabinet's decision to centralize public sector advertising.

The circular created the Government Advertising Agency (GAA) as the coordinating institution for all public sector advertisements. The PS further noted that the move would likewise ensure that the State pays for advertising services immediately, without incurring more debts owed to media houses.

This was however opposed by the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG), which warned that this was denying young independent media houses of crucial finances to sustain their day-to-day operations, forcing them to drastic measures including closures, job losses and reduction in the media landscape, blocking new investment and promotion in economic growth as well as diminishing the importance of keeping the government of the day accountable.