The government has banned all state ministries, agencies and corporations from procuring branded or promotional materials.
In a circular dated March 18, 2024, President William Ruto's Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei instructed accounting officers to adhere to the new rule.
According to the communication, there will be no promotional materials and merchandise procurement, including but not limited to t-shirts, shirts, tracksuits, and any other branded clothing items.
In defence of the action, Koskei explained that the government was working towards streamlining the state’s expenditure and utilisation of public funds.
“To further streamline the expenditure and optimise the utilisation of public resources, all Ministries, State departments, and state corporations are directed to suspend and immediately cease the procurement, printing and production of corporate wear, including but not limited to t-shirts, shirts, tracksuits and other branded clothing,” the circular reads in part.
The Chief of Staff further banned the production of other materials such as notebooks, cups, flasks and other office items that might be branded to promote a department or a ministry.
“Suspend and immediately cease the purchase of promotional merchandise such as calendars, umbrellas, bags, notebooks and other promotional materials,” the circular reads in part.
In the order of bans, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki on March 21 revealed that the government was in communication with the TikTok social media platform, owing to non-compliance of the platform to Kenyan laws.
"I don't think we're in a position to declare the dangers outweigh the benefits. It's a bit premature," Kindiki noted.
"It will be premature. What we're doing right now is a procedural requirement by law. Whatever the measures the government will take is administrative action and there's a procedure including listening to those affected."
Kindiki however claimed that criminals and gangs were using social media platforms such as TikTok to drive their agendas, cautioning Kenyans against propaganda.
"All the social media platforms including TikTok have now become a real theatre for misuse by criminals to endanger public safety and security," he explained.
