Hello and welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where it is all about job losses and opportunities.
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Standard Group to Fire Employees
The media, just like other sectors, is coming to terms with the harsh economic times which have been characterised by mass job losses.
Barely a month after the Nation Media Group (NMG) announced mass layoffs, the Standard Group has revealed its intentions to declare redundancies.
As detailed in a notice published on Tuesday night, the media house based along Mombasa Road indicated that the organisation's restructure would see over 300 people lose their jobs.
Standard Group explained that it had decided to reduce its workforce owing to the strain on its revenue generation.
"As part of its compliance procedures, the Standard Group PLC issued a notice of intention to declare redundancy as stipulated in section 40 (1) of the Employment Act, 2007.
"In reaching this decision, we took into consideration the difficult operating environment and its long-drawn effect on revenue generation," read the notice in part.
On the other hand, the company added that the media landscape was rapidly evolving hence the need for a restructure to realign its operations with the reality of the ever-changing digital media.
"We remain confident that the reorganisation of the business through restructuring will place us in good stead by adopting a leaner, more efficient structure for better performance and growth.
"Coupled with the new leadership that is coming on board, we consider the reorganization of our business as a necessary step intended to ensure business stability and continuity in the coming months as the Group strives to sustain and enhance the quality of journalism it offers," the media house added.
Affected employees will be informed of the company's decision in writing in the coming days. The redundancies will effectively take effect on August 31.
Job Cut Projects in Perspective
Many sectors of the economy are expected to witness mass job cuts in the coming months owing to the economic struggles facing many businesses.
This was revealed in the May 2024 Chief Executive Officer's Survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) which detailed that many businesses would aim to reduce their operation costs as they undertake other austerity measures.
Out of 1,000 CEOs from various sectors, 234 bosses indicated that they would reduce their workforce between July and September. 654 others noted that they would be maintaining their current workforce.
Meanwhile, in the media industry, many mainstream media houses are struggling to meet the salary demands of their employees owing to delays in the release of advertising charges by the government. The government is one of the biggest advertisers in mainstream media.
As of January 2024, the government owed various media houses Ksh1.7 billion in debt.
The situation was worsened when Broadcasting Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang'ani directed government institutions to exclusively advertise with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). Media houses and journalists have opposed the move.
Ksh140K Saudi Jobs
The Ministry of Labour is on a charm offensive to recruit Kenyans to work in Saudi Arabia.
In its latest advertisement, the Ministry underscored that it was targeting female medical practitioners to work as nursing specialists.
The Ministry noted that it was also targeting people who are below 45 years old. The jobs are set to attract a monthly salary of Ksh140,000 (4,110 SAR).
Here Are the Requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing/Diploma of Nursing-Midwifery European Union (min 3 years post-secondary school)
- Be a registered and licensed member of the Nursing Council of Kenya, and in good standing.
- Have a valid Kenyan passport and Police Clearance Certificate.
- Have work experience handling patient care in hospital-based care eg inpatient, ER, ICU.
- Be proficient in writing and speaking English.
- Must have valid prometric results
Benefits of the Saudi Jobs:
- One-year renewable contract.
- Eight working hours per day.
- Paid annual vacation with a free round-trip economy ticket.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates will be required to make their applications through the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recruitment website: erp.moh.sa/OA_HTML/IrcVisitor.jsp and the National Employment Authority job portal - neaimis.go.ke/AdvertListingG2G.aspx.
Here are the top stories of the day;
- A Kenyan police officer in Haiti sustains gunshot injury during a shootout with the local gangs.
- Why DCI suspects Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua aides in recent protests.
- Blow to governors and their deputies after the latest court ruling.
- MP pushes for mandatory community service for all Form Four leavers.
- Kenyans stare at Ksh5 million fine for predicting weather without govt approval.
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo.
