Nairobi, Dec. 30 -- Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has raised concern over the use of aged and obsolete equipment by the Government Press.

Ms Gathungu says more than 70 percent of the printing machines in use were acquired between 1930 and 1980.

"This has led to obsolescence with frequent breakdowns and hence high maintenance costs, and difficulty in sourcing for spare parts for maintenance of the otherwise outdated machines," Ms Gathungu said in the latest audit of the Government Press Fund.

She said the use of aged equipment has increased production costs and hence reduced its competitive advantage in the industry. The Government Press prints for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government and the general public.

Last year, t...