Standard Group PLC reassured stakeholders that it was taking control of the situation after journalist miss salaries for 10 months.
In a statement dated November 9, Standard stated that it was staying focused on innovation and diversification to drive revenue.
The main stream media house which owns Standard Newspaper, KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha and other outlets said it was undertaking initiatives like cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and business restructuring 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,” Standard Group release stated.
At the same time, the media conglomerate applauded the journalists for remaining professional despite the challenges.
“Highly professional staff have remained committed amid challenges like significant outstanding debts owed to Standard Group.
“This issue remains a top priority for the company and is being addressed accordingly,” the release stated.
Standard responded after the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) slammed the outlet in a scathing statement for failing to pay salaries to employees for up to 10 months.
Photographers and correspondents had gone without pay for nearly a year, while some staff haven’t been paid in over 6 months, according to KUJ Secretary-General Erick Odour.
“We have tried negotiations with management to find solutions, but regrettably, only unfulfilled promises were made. We are saying Enough is Enough!” Oduor said at a charged press conference Thursday morning.
KUJ warned of a potential country-wide media strike within 14 days if Standard Group fails to present a payment plan to immediately settle months of salary arrears owed to employees.
The union called the systematic nonpayment “illegal” and “immoral,” saying it threatens press freedom and the credibility of Kenya’s media industry at a crucial time when accurate, unbiased journalism is needed most.
KUJ urged Standard Group’s board of directors to “respect the rights of these workers and meet their end of the bargain so that their staff can live in dignity and meet their financial obligations.”
