Standard Group Limited on Thursday stated it has stayed focused on its product innovation and diversification agenda to drive revenue generation and ensure business profitability.
In a statement seen by this writer, the company stated that this is despite the harsh operating environment, made worse by the current economic crisis in the country.
"A key challenge for the business has been the significant outstanding debts (pending bills) owed to the company and this has, regrettably, affected some of our operational timelines, including the timely payment of staff salaries. This issue remains a top priority for the company and is being addressed accordingly," the company stated.
This came hours after the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) threatened to mobilize media practitioners to hold demonstrations outside Standard Group Limited offices along Mombasa Road and its other offices countrywide in 14 days after it failed to remit its employees six months' salary.
The Union revealed that Standard Media Droup’s photographers and correspondents have gone ten months without compensation for their daily duties.
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KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor has ordered the Standard Group to formulate a plan to remit its journalists six months' salary, failure to which it will proceed with the strike.
“We are giving the company 14 days to come up with a payment plan with a view to settling arrears, or else we will mobilize media workers in a solidarity strike to picket at the company’s offices countrywide," the SG stated.
Initially, the Union addressed the Media, condemning the impunity and injustice being perpetuated by Standard Media Group, which owns the Standard Newspaper, KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, and Vybez Radio, among others.
Further, the company stated that it is undertaking various initiatives, including a major cost reduction and efficiency enhancement drive and a business restructuring, to conform to current economic realities.
"We are making great strides in this regard and continue to walk the path of progress towards continued growth and service to the public and all our stakeholders, including, importantly, our staff. We thank our customers and remain committed to serving you," it added.
