NAIROBI, Kenya – Stephen Isaboke, President William Ruto’s nominee for Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, faced scrutiny over his ownership of shares in GOtv Kenya a subsidiary of MultiChoice Africa.
During his vetting by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, questions were raised regarding a potential conflict of interest following Isaboke’s acquisition of shares worth Sh5.2 million in the broadcasting company.
A memorandum has been submitted to the committee opposing his appointment, citing concerns over the shareholding and its implications for impartiality in regulating the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
Isaboke defended his stake in GOtv Kenya, stating that the acquisition was legal and transparent.
“There was nothing irregular about acquiring these shares. It was above board for a business that had sought shareholding for so long,” he told the committee.
He also clarified that he had stepped down as Director of GOtv Kenya immediately following his nomination, as required by law, to eliminate any possible conflict of interest.
Isaboke explained that his investment came after a long negotiation process that began when MultiChoice, the parent company, sought to comply with Kenyan ownership regulations.
Between 2012 and 2021, the company had obtained regulatory waivers while seeking a local partner to meet the 20% local ownership threshold.
Initially, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) was considered a preferred partner, but talks reportedly stalled, leading to the lapse of the waiver period in 2021.
“At the beginning of 2021, they were informed there would be no more waivers. When the opportunity arose, I entered into mutual negotiations and acquired the shares,” he said.
“We looked at the nominal setup of the group, which stood at Sh17 million, and I paid Sh5.2 million for my shareholding.”
Highlighting his experience, Isaboke emphasized his role in supporting Kenya’s transition to digital broadcasting during his tenure at MultiChoice.
“In 2015, we supported the government in the successful digital migration by providing affordable decoders to Kenyans. That remains one of my proudest achievements,” he said.
Isaboke exuded over a decade of experience in broadcasting and telecommunications, having served as Chairman and Non-Executive Director at GOtv Kenya Ltd.
He also held senior roles at MultiChoice Africa Group, including Group Executive and Head of Regulatory Affairs overseeing 48 countries from Dubai, and previously as Managing Director and Regional Director for East Africa between 2008 and 2018.
