The newly appointed KBC Managing Director Dr Bilal Naim admits that severe cash flow deficit is making it difficult for the organization to attract and retain staff as the premier broadcaster grapples with a historical debt of 71.3 billion shillings even as it works to position itself as the premier public broadcaster.
David Makali the chair of the taskforce for improvement of Government Information and Public Communications functions led other members on a fact finding tour at KBC that revealed challenges at Broadcasting House which make it difficult for the national broadcaster to execute its mandate.
Top of the issues is a debt of 71.3 billion shillings, a huge chunk of which is historical this includes staff deductions 3,024,019, 340; Creditors 1,170,956,802; Japanese loan which includes principal and accrued interest of 71,302,729,000 .
Naim however says the state broadcaster is working on implementing a raft of measures in a bid to re-position itself in the industry. They include change of business model, clearing debts , improving the signal strength across the country and quality service delivery.
Dr Bilal adds that attracting and retaining workforce to produce informative, educational and entertaining content is key for sustainability of the public broadcaster.
Bilal has been serving as the director of information in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).
He has previously worked as a senior editor at the Nation Media Group (NMG) and as a spokesperson for the judiciary.
Bilal will replace Waithaka Waihenya who quit in 2018 after seven years as KBC top executive.
Paul Jilani has been serving as MD in an acting capacity.
The state broadcaster is faced with numerous challenges including historical debts amounting to over Sh45 billion.
KBC’s management has in the past come under fire for alleged embezzlement of funds.
The state broadcaster has suffered numerous staff strikes over remuneration and working conditions.
It will also be interesting to see how Bilal will steer KBC in the changing media environment where traditional outlets are incorporating digital trends such as online journalism.