The publishers of People Daily, Mediamax Network Ltd, has announced a fresh round of employee layoffs citing "punitive regulations" by the government that have negatively affected income for the business.

In a note to all staff dated Monday, 14 July 2025, the company which runs about nine media platforms ranging from radio to TV stations said the redundancy seeks to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness it its operations.

"The restructuring has been driven by challenges in the macro business environment, rapid digital advancement, innovation, a significant reduction in business volumes, a decrease in client base, and a comprehensive review of internal operational processes in the last two years," said Ken Ngaruiya, CEO, Mediamax Network Ltd.

Ngaruiya also cited other pain points affecting the media group including delayed settlement of pending bills by the national and county governments as part of the reasons why the company has been forced to let go of its employees.

He explained that some decisions such as, "the national governments decision to single source one media entity for advertising, and the introduction of unfavourable conditions on betting and gambling advertising," have eroded the business' income streams and thereby ability to continue operations.

The redundancy exercise, which will be undertaken between July 15 and August 15, 2025, will see the affected employees get pay for days worked and in lieu of notice. They will also be paid for accrued but not taken leave days. 

What's more, affected workers will receive "severance pay at the rate of 15 days for each completed year of service" in compliance with the requirement of Section 40 of the employment Act of 2007.

In September 2019, Mediamax network announced a similar exercise, retiring employees aged over 60 years without the option of working on contract. That time, the company, which runs K24 TV, Kamame TV, Milele FM, Meru FM, among others said this was part of a plan to trim down the payroll.

Lately, virtually all media companies in Kenya have struggled in the face of a tough operating environment, and journalists feel the pinch. At Standard Group, Kenya's second largest media firm, reports show that employees have gone for months without salary as the company suffered contracting revenues. Since posting KES261 million in net earnings in 2019, Standard Group has remained in the loss making territory.

Kenya's biggest media company, Nation Media Group, have equally been affected. Since November 2022, NMG has been steadily trimming its payroll, pushing out top editors and key on-screen presenters. 

In June last year, while announcing yet another round of layoffs, former NMG Chief Executive Stephen Gitagama cited thinning earnings from legacy platforms not only in Kenya but across Africa. 

Also affected has been workers at Radio Africa Group and Capital FM, with virtually all exercised to trim workforce tailored to 'restructure operations and accelerate digital transformation.' 

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