Employees at the Standard Media Group have gone for six months without salaries. This has been revealed following a feud between the media company and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) over unpaid salaries.
The lack of payments for half year demonstrate the financial struggle the company might be enduring, and raise concerns over whether the media house has gone broke.
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“We are giving the company 14 days to come up with a payment plan to clear the arrears, failing which we will mobilize media workers in a solidarity strike to picket at the company’s offices countrywide,” said KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor.
In a response statement that was released on Thursday, the media house acknowledged that it is going through financial difficulties.
“A key challenge for the business has been the significant outstanding debts (pending bills) owed to the company and this has, regrettably, affected some of our operational timelines, including timely payment of staff salaries. This issue remains a top priority for the company and is being addressed accordingly,” the Standard Media said.
The company added that it is undertaking various initiatives, including a major cost reduction and efficiency enhancement drive, as well as a restructuring of the business, to conform to current economic realities.
“We are making great strides in this regard and continue to walk the path of progress towards continued growth and service to the public and all our stakeholders, including, importantly, our staff,” the company said.
