Kenya Union of Journalists Demands Action Against Mediamax Ltd’s Labor Practices

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has issued a strong statement condemning the management of Mediamax Ltd for the non-payment of dues to correspondents from The People Daily, a widely respected newspaper owned by the former first family.

In an act of solidarity, correspondents have withdrawn their labor, protesting against the prolonged non-payment of their salaries, which have been outstanding for over 12 months.

The situation has reached a breaking point, with KUJ describing the level of impunity demonstrated by Mediamax Ltd’s management as unacceptable and demanding immediate action to rectify the situation.

Correspondents have endured inhumane treatment, leading to a loss of dignity, as they continue to fulfill their responsibilities of delivering stories to The People Daily for publication.

Despite their commitment and hard work, these correspondents find themselves in dire financial straits, unable to meet their basic needs. Some have reportedly been evicted by landlords due to accumulated rent arrears, leaving them and their families with nowhere to go but the streets or, in some cases, office premises.

The Kenya Union of Journalists views these deplorable circumstances as contributing to a decline in media freedom within the country. It emphasizes that journalists cannot be expected to carry out their duties effectively when their basic remuneration needs are ignored.

In response to the current crisis, KUJ has given Mediamax Ltd a 24-hour ultimatum to address the concerns raised by the correspondents and negotiate a formal return-to-work agreement. Failure to meet this deadline will prompt the union to escalate the matter further, including the mobilization of all correspondents to protest and potentially shut down the offices of Mediamax located along Kijabe Street.

This move by KUJ underscores the urgency and severity of the issue, highlighting the dire consequences for both media professionals and the broader landscape of media freedom in Kenya.

As tensions rise, the nation awaits Mediamax Ltd’s response to the union’s ultimatum and the potential fallout that may follow. The situation raises broader questions about the state of media and labor relations within the country, demanding attention from relevant stakeholders and authorities.