Mediamax Network Limited has issued a notice of intention to declare redundancies, becoming the latest casualty in a wave of job losses sweeping through Kenya’s private sector.

In an internal memo dated July 14, 2025, Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya noted that the company is undertaking a “strategic restructuring and reorganization of its business operations to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness in response to evolving market dynamics.”

The media firm cited the impact of delayed payments from both national and county governments, unfavorable regulations on betting advertisements, and the “National Government’s decision to single-source one media entity for advertising” as factors aggravating an already strained operating environment.

“The restructuring has been driven by challenges in the macro business environment, rapid digital advancement, innovation, a significant reduction in business volumes, a decrease in the clientele base, and a comprehensive review of internal operational processes over the last two years,” read the memo in part.

“These issues have further been aggravated by factors affecting the media industry in Kenya, including delays in the settlement of pending bills from both the National and County Governments, the National Government’s decision to single-source one media entity for advertising, and the introduction of unfavourable conditions on betting and gambling advertising by the National Government.”

The reorganization will include a staff optimization exercise involving realignment of roles, streamlining of staffing levels, and possible redundancies across various departments.

The notice, which takes effect from July 15 to August 15, 2025, promises compliance with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007, and guarantees payment of terminal dues, including severance pay, leave days accrued, and notice compensation.

Mediamax’s decision comes against the backdrop of an employment crisis in Kenya’s formal sector.

According to the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), 57 companies have declared redundancies since 2022, resulting in the loss of approximately 5,567 jobs.

The number of companies declaring layoffs stands at 57 since 2022.

In just the first half of 2025, over 3,700 additional workers have lost their jobs.

Notable companies that have downsized or exited Kenya entirely include Procter & Gamble, which laid off 850 employees in December 2024, De La Rue (300 layoffs), Unga Group (50), Twiga Foods (250), CIC Insurance (75), MC Motors, and Radio Africa, which recently laid off 27 staff members.

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AMREF, affected by USAID funding cuts, released over 400 workers, while KK Security and Posta Kenya laid off 1,000 and 600 employees, respectively.

With inflation, high taxation, and a rapidly evolving digital landscape taking a toll on businesses, Kenya’s corporate sector is grappling with one of its toughest phases in recent years, casting a shadow over job security for thousands of workers.