The government has reportedly suspended an advertising deal with CNN international over what is said to be consistently negative stories.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said the one-year multi-million advertising deal between Kenya and CNN has been suspended.
The long-term strategic campaign seeking to promote Kenya, began with digital advertising on the Travel section of CNN International’s website, with KTB spearheading the promotion.
The digital activity followed by integrated advertising across the CNN International network includes two bespoke 30-second spot advertisements both on-air and online.
An officer at KTB who spoke to the Star seeking anonymity said, “Yes, the deal has been put on hold, but please talk to the managing director to give you the details”.
KTB managing director Muriithi Ndegwa is yet to give more details on the issue.
Last week hours before US President Barack Obama embarked on a grand tour to Kenya, CNN ran a story referring to Kenya as a ‘terror hotbed’.
The story sparked outrage from both the citizens as well as the government.
Kenyans on Twitter protested through a hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN, which went viral for days.
See: KOT Infuriated over CNN’s Depiction of Kenya
The government also made an announcement, discrediting the report by CNN, which it said was inaccurate and ‘based on lies’.
Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery went ahead to challenge CNN to apologize for the remarks.
See also: Nkaissery Asks CNN to Apologize Over Terror Remarks
