Auctioneers raided and confiscated office and studio equipment belonging to Metropol TV and proceeded to place them on sale over debts accrued by the TV station.
Kenyans.co.ke learnt that the media house has accumulated huge debts and the creditors sought the services of auctioneers to recover monies owed to them.
The station has been facing financial constraints in the past few years which have led to delayed salaries and has been unable to meet its financial obligations.
Items being auctioned include office chairs and desks, studio control equipment, computers, and keyboards among others.
"27 office chairs, 2 office desks, 3 cameras, sofa set, server, control equipment, microwave, 3 printers, ten screens, 10 work stations, 2 cabinets, 2 reception desks, mixer, 2 speakers, 15 broken chairs, Kyocera photocopy machine, 16 computers, water dispenser," the auction notice read in part.
"On July 7, 2022, at 10.30 am at Phoenix House 3rd floor, seven computers, 2 printers, 16 office chairs, 2 water dispensers, bookshelves, 6 office desks, and a bench.
"2 display counters, office desks, 2 office chairs, 8 pcs mouse, router, 12 laptop bags, 3 phone adapters, 15 power adapter chargers, 44 phone covers, 22 screen protectors, 68 USB cables, flash disks, 6 hard disks, charger, 4 flash disks, 5 keyboards, small oppo speakers, 2 multi-functional mobile devices, 2 one plus 9R," the notice added.
This comes barely two weeks after the media house laid off staff members and scaled down operations by suspending a majority of its activities.
A circular from Metropol's Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Kipyakwai, indicated that the management notified all staff of the tough economic times that the business channel was confronting, largely attributed to the pandemic.
“In line with the company policies, all employees in the affected areas shall be given one-month notice or payment of one - month's salary in lieu of notice.”
“A severance pay at the rate of 15 days' pay for each completed year of service will be paid. This will be in addition to all pending salaries for the periods worked up to and including the date of termination, including all unutilized leave days earned,” read part of the notice.
The cost-effective new approach for the operation was communicated to the retained staff.
“The Human Capital department will contact all affected employees and will provide all the necessary support. All your line managers are properly briefed and will ensure a smooth transition in this period. The retained staff will continue to operate Metropol TV under a low-cost revised strategy.”
