Governors Banned From Paying Newspapers To Publish Messages Congratulating Ruto

The Ministry of Devolution has discouraged Governors using money from public coffers to publish congratulatory messages to President-elect, William Ruto in the local newspapers.

In a statement dated Wednesday, September 7 by Devolution PS Julius Korir, the Ministry noted that Governors have been spending too much in sharing their congratulatory messages to the outgoing deputy president, adding that it may strain their county budgets.

The governors were advised to explore cheaper alternatives, which include social media platforms to share their messages, as it only requires them to have an account and an internet connection and they can do so on either their smartphones or computers.

"Following this pronouncement, leaders from across the Globe have continued to send congratulatory messages to the President-elect and the Deputy President-elect. Among the messages received, are those from the County Governments, both on social media and in the Daily Newspapers. It is noted that these adverts are expensive and risk creating financial burden to the Counties involved,” the statement said.

“In light of the above and also in line with advice from the President-elect, these congratulatory adverts are hereby discouraged with immediate effect. Counties wishing to send congratulatory messages are encouraged to explore cheaper alternatives such as social media."

The Ministry also advised the governors to reduce the urge to spend carelessly using resources that can be best utilised in ensuring essential service delivery to Kenyans in line with their promises they made to improve their counties before the August 9 general elections.

“The Counties are further encouraged to cut on wastage as the same resources can be used to provide essential services to Kenyans, in line with their priorities, in projects that impact their lives. The new administration desires to give Kenyans value for their money,” it added.

World leaders have been using social media to congratulate Ruto for his victory in the elections and later the Supreme Court. The latest was US president Joe Biden who also commended Raila Odinga for accepting the verdict of the apex court and the results.