Image: K24 station´s logo

Mediamax Network Limited has announced another major round of layoffs — its sixth in just four years — as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations amid mounting economic pressures.

The media conglomerate, which operates K24 TV, People Daily, and radio stations such as Milele FM and Kameme FM, issued a memo dated August 11, 2025, notifying staff of its intention to declare employees redundant. Sources say the cuts will affect multiple departments, including top English and Swahili anchors, producers, and the entire sports desk. K24 is reported to have let go of 90% of its newsroom staff.

The redundancies, scheduled to conclude between July 15 and August 15, 2025, underscore the company’s push to cut costs and adapt to shifting market conditions. This follows similar downsizing measures across Kenya’s media sector, with Standard Media Group and Nation Media Group also executing large-scale layoffs in recent years.

According to Mediamax’s internal notice, the decision stems from a combination of factors: a tough macroeconomic climate, rapid digital disruption, declining business volumes, a shrinking client base, and an internal operational review. The network has also been hit by slow payment of pending bills by national and county governments, reduced advertising revenues due to state single-sourcing for media buys, and tighter restrictions on betting and gambling ads.

These latest cuts mark another chapter in the ongoing shake-up of Kenya’s traditional media industry, as outlets grapple with declining revenues, evolving audience habits, and intensifying competition from digital platforms.