Mediamax Network Limited, a company that owns K24 TV, Kameme FM, People Daily Newspaper, and other media outlets, is facing serious allegations of mistreatment, toxic leadership, and financial mismanagement under CEO Ken Ngaruiya and HR head Lucy Kibicho.
Employees have come forward to expose a deteriorating workplace environment characterized by salary reductions, delayed payments, and excessive micromanagement.
Cyprian Nyakundi, known for exposing corporate injustices, has shared complaints from employees who describe their struggles under Mediamax’s leadership.
A former employee, in a statement, reveals that the company has been on a downward spiral for years. Salaries were cut during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with promises that they would be restored once the situation improved. However, five years later, employees are still receiving lower pay while facing higher workloads.
Any attempt to question the salary situation is reportedly met with hostility and threats from senior management. This has created an atmosphere of fear where employees feel trapped with no options.In addition to salary cuts, workers claim they are experiencing regular delays in receiving their pay. Some employees allegedly go months without a paycheck, forcing them into extreme financial difficulties.
There are reports of staff members sleeping in the office because they cannot afford transport home. Despite their professional roles, they are treated worse than casual labourers, struggling to meet their daily needs while their complaints are ignored.
The company, instead of addressing these concerns, continues to hire new employees while failing to pay the existing ones. This constant hiring and firing cycle indicates that Mediamax’s HR department lacks proper employee management strategies.
Medical insurance deductions are another major issue. Employees contribute to a health scheme but are often unable to access medical services when they need them.
Some have been forced to pay out-of-pocket for treatment, even in emergencies. Cases have been cited where employees have suffered severe consequences due to lack of medical coverage, with one staff member reportedly losing a child after being unable to afford the necessary medical care.
The company’s failure to provide healthcare despite deducting contributions has led to increased frustration and distress among workers.Mismanagement extends beyond employee welfare. Mediamax has been accused of failing to pay suppliers on time, leading to strained relationships with service providers.
Some vendors have waited months for payments, while others have been dismissed when they demand what they are owed. The company also lost part of its office space due to unpaid rent, forcing employees into crowded and uncomfortable working conditions.
Ken Ngaruiya’s leadership has been described as dictatorial, with managers stripped of their authority and employees working under constant surveillance.
The HR department, led by Lucy Kibicho, has also come under fire for being unprofessional and failing to address employee grievances. Many staff members feel that the company no longer values their contributions and that career growth is impossible under the current leadership.
With numerous wrongful dismissals and unfair labor practices, Mediamax has found itself facing multiple legal battles from former employees.
The lack of job security has further demoralized workers, contributing to declining productivity and efficiency. Clients and advertisers have reportedly withdrawn their business, citing a drop in service quality and professionalism.
The toxic work environment has taken a toll on employees’ mental health, with cases of depression and even suicide attempts on the rise. The pressure of working without pay, lack of medical coverage, and fear of sudden dismissal have pushed many to the brink. Despite repeated complaints, the management has done little to address these issues, leaving employees feeling helpless.
The situation at Mediamax highlights the struggles faced by media professionals in an industry that should uphold integrity and fairness.
With growing discontent among employees and ongoing legal battles, the company’s future remains uncertain. Many hope that exposing these injustices will lead to meaningful change, but under the current leadership, improvement seems unlikely.
