This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic Hits Royal Media Hard ¶
June 23, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a significant blow to the mainstream media industry in Kenya, with Royal Media being the latest to feel the pinch. The company has reportedly issued redundancy letters to several employees, including popular radio personality Shix Kapienga.
Shix, whose real name is Nancy Wanjiku Karanja, hosts the popular show 'Drop Zone' on Hot 96 FM. She took to social media to share a motivational message, saying 'Never regret anything that made you smile.'
According to sources, a number of Radio Citizen presenters, including Syombua Osiany, John Maloba, and Himenigilder Mugeni, will also be affected by the layoffs. The move comes just three months after the company announced a 30% pay cut for its employees due to the adverse effects of the pandemic.
Managing Director Wachira Waruru explained that the decision was necessary to help the company survive the difficult period. 'The unprecedented outbreak of the coronavirus in the world and Kenya, in particular, has had serious repercussions on business, including ours. This reality necessitates that we take difficult but necessary measures to see us through this period.'
Waruru added that each staff member will receive an individual letter through their supervisor, and that the reduction is temporary and will be reversed when things return to normal.
