Standard Group removed from government advertising campaign
The Ministry of ICT has discontinued all advertising campaigns with the Standard Group following a directive from the State Department of Irrigation.
In a letter dated March 14, Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang’ani removed the media house from a previously approved list of media outlets set to run an irrigation awareness campaign.
This decision overturned an earlier directive issued on March 10 regarding the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) campaign.
"Reference is made to your letter dated March 10, 2025, on the above subject, and our subsequent response via our letter, which approved the engagement of The Star newspaper, Standard Media Group, and Cape Media for the above campaign,” the letter read in part.
A directive was issued to exclude Mombasa Road-based Standard Media Group from the campaign, following administrative advice.
Instead, engagement should proceed with The Star, Cape Media, Nation Media Group, and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
The directive also instructs that copies of space orders placed with the selected media houses be regularly shared with the Director of the Government Advertising Agency (GAA) to ensure compliance.
In recent weeks, the Standard Newspaper has drawn attention for its bold headlines, which have been critical of senior government officials, including President William Ruto.
On March 2, a newspaper headline reading "Cunning Ruto" caught the attention of President William Ruto, prompting him to respond.
While addressing congregants at Jesus Winner Ministry that same day, he dismissed the characterization, insisting that his leadership was guided by faith rather than craftiness.
"If you look at today's newspaper, the headline claims that Ruto is very cunning. But I want to tell them, I am not as cunning as they think. What is leading me is the grace of God. We believe in God," he asserted.
Other high-ranking politicians have also been on the receiving end of similar descriptions.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki were labeled "Mere Flower Girls" in the publication’s March 9 issue.