Transcend says its contract covered publicity for the presidential debate ahead of the polls. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
The firm claims that it published in the media lists of all polling stations at a cost Sh106.7 million, Sh23 million was spent on publishing of the presidential results while a further Sh69 million accrued from a “revised media plan”.
An advertising firm is demanding Sh200 million from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission arising from publicity contracts signed for last year’s General Election.
Transcend Media Group Limited says in a suit filed on June 18 that it booked print and electronic adverts on behalf of media companies, which are now threatening legal action to enforce payment nearly 15 months after conclusion of the March 2013 elections.
The firm claims that it published in the media lists of all polling stations at a cost Sh106.7 million, Sh23 million was spent on publishing of the presidential results while a further Sh69 million accrued from a “revised media plan”.
“Despite written demands being made and notice of intention to institute legal proceedings being given, the defendant has failed, refused and/or otherwise neglected to pay the said sum of Sh198,787,892 or any part thereof thereby rendering this suit necessary,” says Transcend Media in the court document.
The firm claims that it was contracted by United Nations Development (UNDP) to carry out a media campaign in print and electronic media for the IEBC in the run up to last year’s elections.
The UNDP contract entailed sensitisation on the election process and preparing Kenyans for the exercise.
The firm’s mandate involved securing advertising and media bookings for the IEBC to a tune of Sh224.6 million that was to be settled by the UNDP upon confirmation of the offered services by the commission.
Media
The ad agency says following complaints from politicians and general public and review of the UNDP-funded campaign, IEBC realised that there were certain “important aspects” and media houses that had been left out.
The firm says that consequently, the IEBC instructed it to carry out a revised media plan for the campaign and undertake extra production and buying of ad space in the media, which included publication of all polling stations and presidential results.
The firm claims that some of the new dynamics that needed more publicity was the presidential debate which necessitated more exposure through guaranteed spots, and the likelihood of having a presidential runoff that needed promotion of peace and harmony.
The firm claims that the number of radio stations participating in the paid up campaigns increased from 50 to 93 to ensure equitable distribution.
It says that while UNDP has paid Sh224.6 million under the contract, IEBC has not paid Sh198 million hence exposing it to the threat of legal suits.
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Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
