The ongoing crisis at the cash-strapped Standard Group is far from over, if the latest developments are anything to go by.
Staff at the listed giant were on Tuesday, March 1, slapped with a notice announcing suspension of a key welfare service.
According to a notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Standard Group employees received a memo from the Human Resource Department informing them of the discontinuation of catering services, pointing to a dire situation, with no hope in sight.
The staff were advised to make alternative arrangements for their meals as the company continues to grapple with the financial crisis.
"We wish to inform you that Cafeteria services are temporarily suspended. We are actively working to find a solution to ensure that your meal needs are met."
"In the meantime, we recommend that you make alternative arrangements for your meals. Apologies for the inconvenience caused," the statement read in part.
A source revealed that the staff working from the office were initially entitled to three meals, ranging from a 10:00 am tea break, 1:00 pm lunch, 4:00 pm tea break and 6:00 pm dinner.
The staff would pick a meal ticket from the cafeteria and be served a meal from the contracted caterers. The source also affirmed that a plate of a meal would cost Ksh270 for every staff.
So dire is the situation that some of the staff resorted to sleeping inside the offices owing to the salary arrears.
The media house has witnessed arguably its worst talent haemorrhage ever with competition turning to it into a poaching field.
Over the years, the company prides of strong brands that have become household names among Kenyans. These brands under its enviable portfolio include KTN News, KTN Home, Radio Maisha, Farmers TV, Burudani TV, Spice FM and Vybez Radio.
Some of the latest names to disembark the titanic ship include Fredrick Odeo Sirari, Frank Otieno, Ted Malanda, Sheila Kwamboka, Lynda Oriaso and Geoffrey Mung'ou.
A number of journalists who have left Standard Group's Radio Maisha, are set to join Radio47, owned by Cape Media.
