K24 TV has begun sending home its journalists as mass layoffs cuts across the local media industry.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on condition of anonymity, an employee of MediaMax revealed that eight presenters and anchors from the station were facing the sack.
The staff member disclosed that the layoffs were sporadic as employees would not tell when their last day in office would be. The management issued letters of dismissal to the affected individuals personally.
"Management called in people one by one in no particular order and presented them with their dismissal letters," the informant intimated.
The account was corroborated by a second employee, who noted that presenters from K24 TV were mostly affected and confirmed that the entire K24 Plus team was sent packing.
"Last week, all members of the K24 Plus team were sent home. A number of newspaper circulation team and presenters of Msenangu FM (a radio station attached to the media house) were also shown the door," the second source confirmed.
However, journalists working with Kameme FM had little to worry about. According to both employees, MediaMax was facing tough financial times.
Prior to the mass layoffs, there were early signs of economic turmoil. The sources told Kenyans.co.ke that the company withdrew the tea served to staff.
The firm also stooped equipping the washrooms with tissue papers, forcing staff to carry their own from home.
Efforts by Kenyans.co.ke to get a comment from MediaMax Chief Executive Officer, Ken Ngaruiya, were futile. He had not responded to calls or texts since Thursday, December 15.
MediaMax becomes the third media house to retrench its staff. On December 9, Radio Africa Group urged its employees to prepare for eventual layoffs.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Qaurcoo explained that the staff cuts were part of a restructuring plan to ensure the media house remains afloat amid financial constraints.
Nation Media Group also let go of some of its employees, with veteran journalists Mark Masai, Dennis Okari and Mutuma Mathiu among those fired.
