The National Communication Secretariat (NCS) has come under parliamentary scrutiny for functioning without a board of directors for more than 25 years. Members of Parliament, through the Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture (PICSSAA), highlighted governance gaps that have weakened oversight on the agency's budget, expenditures, and policy implementation.

During a committee hearing led by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, NCS Chief Executive Officer George Nyaory explained that the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, which established the agency, did not provide for a governing board. This legal omission has persisted since 1999, leaving the agency without independent oversight.

Concerns Over Governance and Legal Status

  • MPs questioned the unclear legal identity of the NCS, debating whether it operates as a government department or a state corporation.
  • Committee member Jackson Kosgei criticized the lack of a clear structure, emphasizing that it hampers the agency's effectiveness in serving the public.
  • Chairman Wangwe underscored the risks of operating without a board, questioning the justification for spending public funds without proper scrutiny.

Financial Management and Staff Welfare Issues

  • The committee raised issues regarding a Sh50 million staff mortgage fund allocated in 2022, which has yet to be implemented. Instead, the funds remain in operational or gratuity accounts, accumulating interest.
  • Legislators demanded certified bank statements to verify that the mortgage funds remain intact and have not been diverted.
  • Audit reports revealed the absence of approved human resource instruments, resulting in stalled promotions and inconsistent salary grading, affecting staff morale.
  • Employees on fixed-term contracts are currently excluded from the mortgage scheme.
  • The CEO noted recent improvements following the approval of new human resource policies in 2025, allowing staff to transition to permanent and pensionable terms.

Committee Directives

The committee chair warned that failure to address audit queries and provide comprehensive documentation, including an updated asset register and bank records, would lead to substantial recommendations to Parliament. The NCS leadership was urged to regularize its governance framework and improve transparency to restore public confidence.