Kenya’s Standard Group in Crisis as Financial Troubles Leave Staff Unpaid.

Nairobi, Kenya – April 16, 2025 – Standard Group PLC, a prominent media conglomerate in Kenya, is grappling with a severe financial crisis that has left employees unpaid for up to eight months. 

  

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The company has also failed to remit statutory deductions, including taxes, pensions, and insurance contributions, exacerbating the financial strain on its workforce .​

In response to mounting losses, Standard Group has undertaken significant restructuring efforts.

 Notably, it has shut down KTN News, Kenya's first 24-hour news channel launched in 2015, and merged its operations with KTN Home.

 Additionally, other outlets such as Vybez Radio and Farmers TV have ceased operations as part of cost-cutting measures .​

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The financial turmoil has led to widespread employee dissatisfaction. Former employees have filed petitions in the Employment and Labour Relations Court seeking full settlement of unpaid dues.

  Moreover, over 400 ex-employees have called for public boycotts of Standard Group products to pressure the company into honoring its obligations .​

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Standard Group, demanding immediate payment of salary arrears and remittance of statutory deductions.  The union has warned of potential demonstrations and legal action if the company fails to comply .​

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Despite the challenges, Standard Group's management denies insolvency rumors and asserts that operations are ongoing. 

The company attributes its financial difficulties to a tough advertising climate and increased operational costs.  However, employees continue to face hardships due to unpaid wages and unremitted deductions .​

The situation at Standard Group PLC underscores the broader challenges facing traditional media houses in Kenya, including declining revenues and the need for sustainable operational models.​

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