The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has given Mediamax Networks Limited, a 24-hour ultimatum to address concerns related to the non-payment of its correspondents.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 12, KUJ, led by Secretary General Erick Oduor, expressed unwavering solidarity with the correspondents of The People Daily, a publication under Mediamax Networks Limited.
The union revealed that correspondents of The People Daily had withdrawn their labor due to non-payment of their dues for an alarming period of over 12 months.
KUJ vehemently condemned what it termed as “a level of impunity” displayed by Mediamax Ltd’s management, deeming it unacceptable and in need of immediate rectification.
The statement conveyed the dire plight of the correspondents, who, according to KUJ, have faced eviction from their residences due to accumulated rent arrears resulting from delayed salaries.
This financial strain has forced them and their families to spend nights either in the office premises or on the streets, lacking a place to call home.
KUJ underscored the inhumane treatment faced by these correspondents, emphasizing that they have endured a loss of dignity due to their inability to meet financial obligations despite their dedicated efforts in delivering stories to the newspaper for publication.
“These are factors that are contributing to a decline in media freedom in Kenya because journalists cannot be expected to continue working yet their remuneration is not given priority,” the statement asserted.
If the issues are not resolved within the stipulated timeframe, KUJ warned of escalating the matter, including mobilizing all correspondents to close and storm the offices of Mediamax, located along Kijabe Street.
