Popular on-screen personalities including reporters and anchors are among those who lost their jobs on Sunday, June 21 as Mediamax-owned K24 undertook mass lay-offs.
All of its newsroom staff were declared redundant, with only 2 individuals who work in the production department spared.
Some of the anchors and journalists shared reflective messages as they marked the end of their time at the station. Among them were Tony Kwalanda, Mercy Milanoi, Eric Njoka, Karimi Karen, Joy Kiruki, Shiko Mwenda and Shon Osimbo.
A senior anchor at the station who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, June 22, revealed that many of them began plotting their next moves early as it became apparent that lay-offs were on the horizon.
He described the lay-offs as the culmination of the protracted battle involving staff members and upper management.
"Well, you know it's not really a surprise to anyone because in the past months there has been all this drama, and it's been highly publicised.
"People were emotional because after working together for long of course you'll miss some people, but there was also that sense of relief because it has been very hectic.
"Everyone knew it was coming so they prepared in different ways," revealed the anchor who requested not to be identified.
Popular presenter Tony Kwalanda revealed that he was headed to a new TV station where he would continue reporting on sports.
"I am switching to another station and taking sports to a whole new level. Thank you K24 for the 11 years of great experience. Watch this space for my next move," he tweeted.
Features reporter Mercy Milanoi asked fans to subscribe to her new YouTube channel as she bid farewell to K24.
"It has been an amazing journey K24 TV. Thank you all for your support. You all have made the last 5 years absolutely amazing. Thank you for giving me a chance to tell your stories. On to the next one," she wrote.
Primetime news presenter Karimi Karen also hinted at taking on new ventures as she announced her exit from the station.
"It’s been an absolute pleasure gracing your screens at K24 TV. Thank you for all the love and support! Its time for bigger, better things ahead," she shared.
"We were all declared redundant. Thank you for always tuning in. I am humbled. God is working," wrote Shon Osimbo Kasyula in response to viewers surprised by her exit.
News anchor Eric Njoka wrote: "We are officially separated from my TV wife Karimi Karen and just like she said, the K24 chapter has been closed. Focusing onwards and looking inwards. Anchorman exits the podium, for now."
"To new exploits after 9 years of learning and growth," wrote Joy Kiruki on Facebook as she looked back on her time at K24.
Sports presenter Shiko Mwenda wrote: "8 years of service, it was a pleasure taking this journey in the world of sports, through great shows, features, interviews and everyday sports stories at K24 TV. A time has come to move on to the next, see you around."
Viewers who were accustomed to seeing them on their screens also took to social media to wish them luck as they chart new paths.
Some ardent fans even promised to move with the journalists to a new TV station if that were to happen.
