Journalists at K24, Kameme TV & FM, People Daily to lose jobs

By Newsflash Reporter

Mediamax Network Limited, the parent company of K24 TV, Kameme TV, Kameme FM, and People Daily, has announced plans to declare some positions redundant in a major restructuring to adapt to industry changes.

In an internal memo dated July 14, 2025, and signed by Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya, the company outlined a 30-day notice period to explore the alignment of employee skills with available roles, following a prolonged period of declining revenues, market disruptions, and regulatory pressures.

The memo, which was addressed to all staff, comes against the backdrop of widespread challenges in Kenya’s media industry, compounded by rapid digital disruption, shifting audience consumption patterns, and an increasingly hostile business environment.

“Mediamax Network Limited is undertaking a strategic restructuring and reorganization of its business operations to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness,” read part of the memo. “This is in response to evolving market dynamics, including digital transformation, innovation, shifting client needs, and the introduction of punitive regulations by the Government of Kenya affecting the media industry,” read the memo.

Digital disruption

According to the company, its decision has been influenced by a series of macroeconomic and industry-specific hurdles. The proliferation of digital platforms has significantly affected traditional revenue streams, with advertisers increasingly shifting to more targeted and cost-effective digital options.

Innovation and automation have also rendered some roles obsolete, prompting the need for re-evaluation of staffing structures.

Further exacerbating the situation is the government’s move to single-source one media entity for its advertising needs, effectively cutting out other players from a critical revenue stream. Delays in settling advertising debts from both the national and county governments have also taken a toll on operations.

“There has been a significant reduction in business volumes, a decrease in the clientele base, and a comprehensive review of internal operational processes over the last two years,” the CEO stated.

“These issues have further been aggravated by delays in the settlement of pending bills and unfavorable conditions on betting and gambling advertising.”

Staff optimization exercise underway

As part of the restructuring initiative, Mediamax will undertake a staff optimization exercise that could lead to role consolidation, realignment of duties, and possible layoffs across various departments. The company emphasized that it would comply fully with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007, and the individual terms outlined in employee contracts.

While expressing regret over the impending redundancies, the management assured staff that every effort would be made to retain those whose skills align with emerging roles within the organization.

“During this period, the organization will explore opportunities to align your skills with available roles that match your qualifications,” the memo noted.

Affected employees will be entitled to full terminal dues in line with the law, including salaries for days worked, pay in lieu of notice, compensation for untaken leave, and severance pay calculated at the rate of 15 days for each completed year of service. Deductions will be made for any money owed to the company.

Industry-wide struggles

Mediamax’s move is reflective of broader difficulties within Kenya’s media industry, where outlets are grappling with declining readership, reduced advertising budgets, and stiff competition from digital platforms.

Many legacy media houses such as Nation Media Group and Standard Group have resorted to paywalls, aggressive digitization, and content innovation in a bid to stay afloat.

As traditional media continues to face headwinds, analysts warn that more companies may be forced to restructure or merge if sustainable business models are not urgently adopted.

For Mediamax, the restructuring offers a chance to refocus its strategy around digital-first journalism, operational efficiency, and innovation—but it comes at a human cost, with potential job losses likely to unsettle staff and raise concerns within the sector.

Further communication on the restructuring process and affected individuals is expected from the company in due course. The notice will remain effective until August 15, 2025.