This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
June 23, 2020 - The media industry in Kenya continues to feel the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Royal Media sending several employees packing, including popular radio presenters.
According to sources, the company has issued redundancy letters to employees working in the radio department, with popular presenters Syombua Osiany, John Maloba, and Himenigilder Mugeni among those affected.
Popular Hot 96 FM Presenter Nancy Wanjiku Karanja, also known as Shix Kapienga, is also set to be sent home. Kapienga hosted Drop Zone on Hot 96 FM from 7 pm to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday.
It is expected that the media stable will sack more media personalities and journalists in the coming weeks.
Although Royal Media has aligned its personnel from time to time, the company is most remembered for a 2016 massive layoff that claimed the jobs of 100 journalists.
As the market leader in the broadcast business, Royal Media has been affected by the pandemic, and is expected to announce further measures to remain sustainable if the situation does not abate.
Earlier this year, Managing Director Wachira Waruru announced up to 30 percent salary cuts as part of the company's efforts to stay afloat, with popular presenters including Jeff Koinange earning less than they normally do.
