Mediamax Announces Mass Layoffs, Cites Gov’s ‘Punitive’ Regulations

Nairobi, July 16, 2025 – Mediamax Network Limited, one of Kenya’s leading media houses, announced plans to lay off a significant number of employees as part of a strategic restructuring exercise.

The decision, outlined in an internal memo dated July 14, 2025, from Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya, cites evolving market dynamics and what the company calls “punitive regulations” imposed by the Kenyan government.

The restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency amid challenges including a shrinking client base, reduced business volumes, and the impact of government policies.

Key factors include the National and County Governments’ decision to single-source advertising to one media entity and the introduction of restrictive conditions on betting and gambling advertising.

The memo also highlights pending bills from government entities and the media industry’s ongoing digital transformation as contributing factors.

Mediamax will conduct an evaluation and staff optimization exercise that may result in re-alignments, consolidations, and redundancies across various departments.

The company stated that redundancy positions will take effect from July 15, 2025, and remain in place until August 15, 2025.

During this period, the organization will explore opportunities to re-align affected employees’ skills with available roles matching their qualifications.

Affected employees will receive terminal dues in accordance with their contracts and the Employment Act, 2007, including salary in lieu of notice, accrued but untaken leave, severance pay at 15 days per completed year of service, less any monies owed to the company.

Additional details regarding affected employees and available support will be communicated later.

The announcement has raised concerns among industry observers about the sustainability of media businesses under current regulatory frameworks.

Mediamax operates popular brands including K24, People Daily, Kameme TV, and Milele FM, and the layoffs could signal broader challenges within Kenya’s media sector.

The company has assured compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007, and individual employment contracts, with a copy of the memo sent to the County Labour Office.