A section of journalists, including freelancers, contributors, reporters, and correspondents, from the Nation Media Group (NMG) are facing a bleak December holiday season after receiving notices of contract termination.

The notice, which was dispatched by the company’s General Counsel, indicated the media house’s intention to lay off a large number of these contracted staff.

This move comes as the Kimathi Street-based media house is reportedly grappling with a huge wage bill, a situation aggravated by the recent hiring of numerous new staff, particularly in the digital space.

The introductory part of the termination notice stated:

“We refer to the Agreement between yourself and Nation Media Group PLC by which write articles for publication in the Daily Nation and other media outlets of Nation Media Group PLC.”

It continued: “Nation Media Group PLC wishes to give you One (1) Month’s notice of our intention to terminate the said Agreement with effect from the date of this note. Consequently, we inform you shall not be required to submit any articles for publication after 12th December, 2025.”

The notice concluded with: “Thank you for your services and co-operation in respect of this Agreement.”

This news came as a shock to the majority of the affected staff, who least expected the termination to occur so close to the end of the year, as such decisions typically happen mid-year or at the beginning.

Kondele News reached out to one of the affected staff members.

“It is true I have received the notice, and I respect it. I have been working with NMG for the last ten years. It is sad but I choose to be positive,” the staff member revealed to Kondele News.

Focus on Digital Space

The layoffs follow the company’s recent recruitment of several digital content creators in a bid to compete more favorably in the rapidly evolving digital space.

A senior official from the Agha Khan-owned media house offered context on the company’s strategic direction:

“We are going digital. As you are aware, the traditional outlet which is the newspaper and the television is facing myriad of challenges, that is the reason we are capacitating on digital space.”