Reports have been circulating on social media claiming that Mediamax-owned television channel K24 TV has shut down after 17 years on air.
The rumors intensified with claims that the closure had rendered hundreds of journalists unemployed.
“K24 TV, owned by Mediamax Limited, has been officially shut down after 17 years of operation in Kenya,” one social media user, Alinur Mohammed, wrote.
Another X user, Edgar Wabwire, posted, “K24 TV shuts down after 17 years of operation, rendering hundreds of journalists unemployed.”
“To my dear friends at K24, my heart aches for all the journalists who poured their passion, truth, and dedication into a newsroom that now will soon fall silent. Though this chapter closes, remember the sun will rise again, and with it, new stories will be told,” he added.
K24 TV Dismisses Claims of Shutting Down After 17 Years
However, K24, in a statement on Friday, August 15, dismissed the claims, terming them fake news. The media station flagged screenshots of one of the social media posts with a “FAKE” stamp to inform its audience and Kenyans that the information was not true.
“Fake News Alert! Get all our latest news across our social pages – K24TV – and our website k24.digital. It’s what’s on,” the station wrote.
Further, a fact check by The Kenya Times on K24 TV’s YouTube channel showed that the media station was running live programmes.
Its morning show content was also intact, including “Amka Kenya” and other segments such as the fashion programme.
This comes after Mediamax Network Limited, the parent company of K24 TV, People Daily, Radio Milele, and Kameme, announced plans to start laying off staff from August 15, 2025, following an elaborate redundancy plan unveiled on July 14.
Also Read: Mediamax Announces Mass Layoffs at K24 TV and People Daily
The move is part of a major restructuring effort aimed at responding to what the company described as a tough and rapidly evolving media environment.
Mass Layoffs at Mediamax
In a notice dated July 14, the company cited falling revenues, digital disruption, and increasing regulatory pressure as key reasons behind the decision.
“Mediamax Network Limited is undertaking a strategic restructuring and reorganization of its business operations to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness in response to evolving market dynamics, including digital transformation, innovation, shifting client needs, and the introduction of punitive regulations by the Government of Kenya affecting the media industry,” read part of the notice.
Also Read: Job Losses as Capital FM Parent Company Announces Layoff
The company said the restructuring has been necessitated by several factors, including challenges in the macro business environment, rapid digital transformation, reduced business volumes, and a shrinking client base.
Mediamax also noted that a comprehensive internal review conducted over the past two years revealed inefficiencies that required urgent attention.
Additionally, the situation has been worsened by delays in the payment of pending bills by both the National and County Governments.
“As part of this process, the company will conduct an evaluation and staff optimization exercise, which may involve re-aligning operations, streamlining staffing levels, and consolidating roles within the organization,” the statement read further.
“Unfortunately, these measures may lead to re-alignments and redundancies that may impact employees across various departments.”
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