Desist From Extravagant Congratulatory Advertisements, Devolution Ministry Tells Governors

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept, 8 – The Ministry of Devolution has called on county governments to explore cheaper alternatives while congratulating President-elect, William Ruto.

In a statement, the ministry said that the President-elect advised against the congratulatory adverts saying they should cease forthwith.

“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,” read the statement.

Counties have further been encouraged to cut on wastage and instead direct the resources to provide essential services to Kenyans.

“ It is the desire of the new administration to give Kenyans value for their money…The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to direct that all Counties immediately desist from procuring the extravagant congratulatory advertisements,”

Leaders can instead post their congratulatory messages on their social media platforms.

“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 a financial burden on the Counties involved,”

Public Financial Management is reinforced in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Chapter 12. (201) ( d) highlights that “public money shall be used n a prudent and responsible way.” Further, the Public Finance Management Act (No. 18 of 2012) advocates for effective management and expenditure of public funds by both levels of Government.