Baraka FM Staff Decry Months of Unpaid Salaries Amid Financial Turmoil

Employees of Baraka FM are accusing the Mombasa-based radio station of subjecting them to prolonged financial hardship, claiming they have received only two partial salary payments in the entire year of 2025.

According to staff, the payments—described as “a fraction of what is owed”—have left many unable to meet rent, food, school fees, and other essential obligations.

One presenter told CourtNews.co.ke that management intervened to prevent her eviction by sending Ksh 10,000 directly to her landlord, followed weeks later by a mere Ksh 2,000, despite her salary arrears being estimated at over Ksh 100,000.

Workers say the uncertainty has deepened frustration within the newsroom, with some forced to take loans to survive.

Operational Crisis After Asset Auction

Staff members further report that the financial strain intensified after the station allegedly underwent an auction of key assets, forcing Baraka FM to vacate its Canon Towers offices.

The team later relocated to what employees describe as a “cramped bedsitter” in Ratna, a move they say resulted in a marked decline in broadcast quality and a significant shift from a professional working environment to one defined by instability and confusion.

Commercial Deals Not Translating into Salaries, Staff Claim

Despite the turmoil, employees insist that the station continues to secure commercial work from major clients, including:

• Safaricom

• Juicy Fruit

• KEMRI Wellcome Trust Kilifi

However, they claim the revenue generated from these assignments has not been used to clear outstanding wages.

Workers say the months-long salary delays have pushed many into personal debt, with several unable to afford daily transport or basic needs.

Claims of Hostile Engagements with Management

In addition to unpaid wages, staff also cite strained interactions with the station’s leadership.

Employees claim the chief executive sometimes sent transport funds as low as Ksh 100 to journalists commuting from areas such as Mtwapa to Nyali—a trip that costs significantly more.

They further allege that whenever an employee missed work due to a lack of return fare, they were asked to give explanations and, in some cases, refund the transport money.

Workers describe the pattern as “humiliating and demoralising,” adding that it has worsened their already unstable financial conditions.

Staff Demand Clear Payment Framework

Employees are now calling for:

• Immediate settlement of all outstanding salary arrears

• A structured, reliable, and enforceable payment system

• Transparency on the station’s finances and operational future

Staff say they are losing hope in the organisation and fear that continued instability may eventually lead to a shutdown if urgent intervention is not taken.