Kenya Meteorological Department staff have written to Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, warning of imminent closure of six government-owned radio stations due to prolonged unpaid wages and deteriorating working conditions.
The approximately 80 employees of RANET (Radio Internet) stations in Isiolo, Kwale, Narok, Busia, Vihiga, and Murang’a counties have endured five months without pay, with some working under casual contracts for over a decade. They also allege non-implementation of government-mandated wage increases and repeated unpaid forced layoffs lasting 30 days.
The workers’ representatives stated in a letter that no official communication has been received from KMD or the Ministry despite repeated attempts to resolve the crisis. The stations, which serve as critical climate and weather early warning systems, face operational shutdowns if demands are unmet.
The letter, signed by representatives from each station, was also sent to KMD Director Peter Ambenje, the Broadcasting and Telecommunication Principal Secretary, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Media Council of Kenya, Communication Workers Union, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
