The Radio Africa Group, whose founder and CEO, Patrick Quarcoo, will be retiring later this month, has decided to make possible workforce reductions. This may be the company’s last significant action.
The media grouping announced its decision to reduce operations in an internal message to correspondents, citing the necessity for a “leaner and efficient organization.”
“We hired a lawyer to demand that Radio Africa Management, led by Paul llado, to pay our one-year overdue salaries, they responded with threats. They receive millions from my government ads, yet refuse to pay their correspondents.”-Via DM@TheStarKenya pay your correspondents. pic.twitter.com/Bk6fOyVTxW
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) July 18, 2024
The Radio Africa Group is based in Lion’s Place on Waiyaki Way and is the owner of a number of popular media outlets, such as the daily The Star, Kiss 100, Classic 105, Radio Jambo, East FM, and Smooth FM.
The group’s most recent action highlights the larger challenges that Kenya’s traditional media outlets face as they deal with declining profits and shifting consumer preferences for media.
The memo issued explained that the adjustments were necessary due to the difficult business environment, noting that the media industry has been going through tough times in the recent past.
“Our company model has been influenced by these changes, requiring unforeseen adjustments to our strategy and organizational structure.”
The proposed layoffs will be carried out gradually, and care will be taken to handle the procedure respectfully and in accordance with the terms of the contracts.
“With the utmost regard for each correspondent and in accordance with their individual contractual duties, the exercise will be conducted in batches. In due course, there will be more communication,” the memo stated.
The Radio Africa Group has had a lot of difficulty keeping its staff during the last two years.
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