ICT PS nominee, Isaboke faces questions over GOTV deal

Stephen Isaboke, the nominee for Principal Secretary in the Broadcasting and Telecommunications sector, faced tough scrutiny during his vetting on Friday regarding his acquisition of shares in GOTV Kenya.

This has sparked concerns over a potential conflict of interest, particularly since GOTV is a subsidiary of MultiChoice, where Isaboke previously held key positions.

During his vetting, Isaboke was questioned about the Sh5.2 million worth of shares he acquired in GOTV and whether this business transaction could affect his impartiality if confirmed for the role of overseeing the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

A memorandum had already been submitted before the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on requesting the block of his nomination due to potential conflicts arising from his dealings with MultiChoice.

“Upon my nomination as PS, I stepped down as the Director of GOTV Kenya as required by the law,"  Isaboke clarified.

He emphasized that his departure from the company after the nomination ensures no overlap between his previous role and any responsibilities he would have in the new government position.

Furthermore, Isaboke defended the legitimacy of his share acquisition.

“There was nothing irregular about acquiring these shares. It was above board for a business that had sought shareholding for so long," he said.

Isaboke outlined the background of his involvement with GOTV, explaining that negotiations with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) had failed by 2021, paving the way for him to acquire the shares.

“At the beginning of 2021, they were told there won’t be any more waivers because they have exhausted negotiations time frame,” he said.

He described how, after this period, he stepped in to purchase the Sh5.7 million worth of shares in GOTV after lengthy negotiations.

While defending his business decisions, Isaboke also highlighted his professional experience in the telecommunications sector.

He noted his key role in Kenya’s digital migration in 2015, helping the country become one of the most digitalized nations globally.

“We provided Kenyans with affordable decoders, making Kenya one of the most digitalized countries in the world, and I am proud of that,” Isaboke remarked.

His professional history in broadcasting includes significant roles, including as the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of GOTV Kenya and his position as the Group Executive for Regulatory Affairs at MultiChoice.

Throughout his tenure, Isaboke emphasized his substantial contributions to the broadcasting sector, particularly in East Africa, where he worked to develop local content, bringing shows like Papa Shirandula and Inspector Mwala to audiences.

In his submission to Parliament, Isaboke also disclosed his net worth.

“I possess a wealth comprising land, houses, apartments, cars, shares, bonds, and cash savings and indicated a total value of Sh680 million," he said.

He further reaffirmed his qualifications, stating his over 33 years of experience in broadcasting and telecommunications, including his leadership at MultiChoice, uniquely positioned him for the role.

Despite concerns over his previous business ties, Isaboke has confidently stated that his extensive experience, alongside his business acumen, makes him well-suited to lead the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.