Nairobi, Kenya | July 16, 2025: Mediamax Network Limited, the media house behind K24 TV and People Daily, has announced another round of mass layoffs — the sixth in just four years — as the company struggles to adapt to Kenya’s shifting media landscape.
In a confidential internal memo, Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya cited shrinking ad revenues, digital disruption, and punitive government regulations as key drivers behind the latest restructuring.
“A challenging macroeconomic environment, rapid digital disruption, and a significant drop in sales volumes have forced the company to reassess its business model,” Ngaruiya said.
Severance Terms for Employees
While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, those impacted will receive compensation that includes:
- Salaries for days worked up to termination
- Salary in lieu of notice
- Payment for accrued leave not taken
- Severance pay equivalent to 15 days for each completed year of service (subject to deductions for any outstanding obligations to the company)
The latest retrenchments reflect a wider crisis in Kenya’s media industry, which is grappling with:
- Delayed payments from government advertising deals
- Declining newspaper circulation and broadcast viewership
- Restrictions on gambling and betting advertisements, which once formed a significant chunk of media ad revenue
“The national government’s decision to single-source one media entity for advertising, and the introduction of unfavourable conditions on betting and gambling advertising have affected sales,” Ngaruiya added.
A Struggling Media Landscape
Mediamax is not alone in this crisis. The Nation Media Group (NMG) let go of 16 employees in May and June 2024 during its fifth retrenchment round under then-CEO Stephen Gitagama. Similarly, Standard Group laid off over 300 employees in August 2024 after sustained losses.
More than 500 journalists and media workers have lost their jobs in the past two years, a troubling figure as traditional media houses struggle to keep up with digital-native platforms that continue to attract younger audiences and advertisers.
The Bigger Picture: Future of Journalism in Kenya
Kenya’s media is at a crossroads. With growing Gen Z digital activism, the rise of independent news platforms, and increasing social media influence, legacy media must urgently adapt to survive.
For more insight into how young Kenyans are reshaping narratives and challenging traditional media, check out our in-depth report on the Gen Z revolution in Kenya.
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