Kameme TV and Radio correspondents have downed their tools, protesting months of unpaid salaries and demanding urgent intervention from Mediamax Network Limited management.
The journalists say they have endured prolonged financial strain, with some reportedly going without pay for up to two years, pushing many into debt, emotional distress, and family instability.
In an internal communication seen by this publication, the correspondents resolved to suspend all duties until their outstanding dues are settled, terming the situation unsustainable and exploitative.
They described a system where contributors are paid as little as Sh300 per story—an amount they say does not reflect the cost of sourcing, producing, and filing professional reports.
“Writing in the knowledge that you’ll earn just 300/- for a feature, let alone a story, is more depressing than the pay itself. I wonder what serious story can fetch such pittance,” said a correspondent stationed outside Nairobi.
Another journalist highlighted the economic strain, revealing that she recently spent over Sh1,000 facilitating a story—engaging masons and labourers—only to be paid Sh300.
Others compared their pay to casual labour rates, noting that even unskilled workers earn significantly more daily, raising concerns about fairness and dignity in the profession.
Frustration has also been directed at management communication, with correspondents questioning delayed payments linked to internal systems and the lack of clear timelines.
“A Zoom meeting with management would suffice as soon as possible as we demand answers on when we are getting paid, with clear timelines,” another correspondent said, adding that the situation was affecting his mental health.
The grievances extend beyond pay, with journalists citing declining morale, depression, and mounting pressure from families as debts accumulate and basic needs remain unmet.
Some have called for escalated action beyond internal appeals, urging colleagues to organise demonstrations, picketing, and formally submit grievances to relevant authorities.
“Amen without action is pure nonsense. We must fight for our rights—demonstrate, picket, and be heard,” a Gen Z correspondent said.
The correspondents are also demanding accountability from top leadership, including calls for CEO Ken Ngaruiya to step down over what they describe as prolonged neglect of their welfare.
