Stephen Isaboke, the nominee for Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, has revealed that his net worth is approximately Ksh.680.5 million. The former MultiChoice Group Executive and Head of Regulatory Affairs made this declaration during his vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Friday.
Isaboke explained that his wealth is derived from a range of assets, including land, houses, apartments, cars, shares, bonds, and cash. His transparency regarding his financial standing is in line with the requirement for public officers to disclose their wealth during vetting processes.
During the vetting session, Isaboke committed to upholding the rule of law in the execution of his duties, emphasizing the importance of protecting media freedom and freedom of speech. He underscored the constitutional guarantee of these rights, stressing that no one can infringe upon them. Isaboke outlined his approach to resolving any potential tensions or misunderstandings between the media and other institutions, stating that the first step should always be engagement and dialogue, with the law serving as a guiding principle.
If confirmed, Isaboke will succeed Professor Edward Kisiang’ani, who has been appointed as a senior advisor and member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. Isaboke’s nomination follows a recent Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto. His background in regulatory affairs and the media industry is expected to bring valuable expertise to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Ministry, which plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of communication and media in Kenya.
Isaboke’s focus on consultations and engagement with stakeholders indicates a collaborative approach to his new role. His pledge to ensure that media freedom and speech are protected in accordance with the Constitution will likely resonate with both the media industry and the public, as these fundamental rights remain central to Kenya’s democratic framework.