Kenya Union of Journalists Intervenes After Standard Group Journalists Go for Six Months Without Pay

A picture of a Kenyans counting money.
A picture of a Kenyan counting money.
Photo
AJ Kenyan Safaris

Standard Media Group journalists have complained about going for six months without a salary, as the outlet faces a serious cash crunch.

According to the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), the second-largest media house in the country has not paid journalists working for KTN and KTN News. 

The delays have also affected scribes working for Standard Newspaper, Radio Maisha, Spice FM and Vybez Radio.

“KUJ as a trade union has held several meetings with the management during which promises were made but regrettably," KUJ stated. 

A photo of the entrance of Standard Group PLC, located along Mombasa road, Nairobi.
The entrance of Standard Group PLC, located along Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke

Due to the delays, journalists under KUJ agreed on Thursday to stand in solidarity with Standard Group colleagues in demand for their pay.

“The union intends to launch campaigns against this impunity and injustice at a press conference to be held on November 9, 2023,” KUJ stated. 

According to the trade union, the campaigns are set to be launched in Nairobi and spread to other parts of the country.

In October, the media firm asked its employees to consider taking early retirement amid revenue hemorrhage as advertising revenues shrink.

"The early retirement program offers all our employees a voluntary opportunity for employment separation with an attractive benefits package,” Standard Group had announced then.

Prior to announcing the early retirement scheme, the media company had laid off most of its staff due to cash constraints.

Additionally, rival media houses have poached star journalists from the already struggling firm. 

In February, Radio Maisha suffered a hit after most of its veteran journalists resigned as the company failed to negotiate better contracts. 

Standard
Screengrab images of scenes at Standard Group offices along Mombasa road in February 22, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke