A former employee of the Standard Group now claims that the company is riddled with toxicity and witch-hunt even as the media giant struggles to remain afloat. Jackline Atieno Okullo who served as the head of commercial, made the stunning revelations after SG officially announced her exit.
In a notice on Wednesday, January 29, Standard Group published Okullo’s photo, noting that she was no longer an employee at the company effective January 8, 2025.
The company further warned that it will not be held liable for any transactions or agreements entered into by Jackline, or for any business conducted in her name after her departure.
“This is to inform the general public that Ms. Jackline Atieno Okullo, whose photograph appears above, is no longer an employee of The Standard Group PLC as of 08th January 2025. Ms. Jackline Atieno Okullo is not authorized to represent the Standard Group PLC or conduct any business on behalf of the Company,” the notice reads.
However, Okullo did not take the public notice lightly, hitting back at the Standard Group, which has witnessed horrendous talent hemorrhage in recent years.
The former staff called out the management for what she described as toxicity and witch-hunt.
At the same time, she clarified that she had already left the company.
“I resigned and left Standard Group PLC, to pursue other interests. The environment was not making sense for me anymore,” said Okullo.
She added, “I wish Standard group PLC all the best as they face this challenging time and pray the new leadership will be able to stop the culture of toxicity and witch hunt.”
Standard Group Head of Commercial Jackline Okullo Resigns
The announcement by Standard Group came days after Okullo revealed that she had resigned from her role following 12 years at the media house.
Taking to her social media account, the former Standard Head of Commerical explained that she stepped down from her role to pursue other interests, further wishing her former employer the best wishes.
“After 12 years of success and excellent achievement, I have officially resigned from Standard Media Group PLC to pursue other interests. I thank them for the opportunity and wish them well as they try to navigate the hard times. Let’s keep in touch in my next Career Move, Shalom,” she said.
Okullo joined Standard Group in 2013 as a Business Manager, a role she held until January 2020.
She then assumed the role of Commercial Manger which she held until November 2022 when she was promoted to the role of Head of Commerical.
Jackline Okullo’s departure from Standard Media Group, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest media organizations, adds to the list of high-profile exits from the media house in recent months as the company grapples with financial restructuring and cost-cutting measures.
The company has been navigating turbulent times marked by declining revenues and layoffs.
Rapuro and Erick Latiff’s exits
In early January, seasoned journalist Ochieng Rapuro, who served as Editor-in-Chief left the Standard Group as confirmed on Friday, January 3.
Also Read: Ex-Citizen TV Anchor Janet Mbugua Makes Comeback
Rapuro served as the Managing Editor of the Nation Media Group between September 2006 and June 2019, when he left to join the Standard Group, taking over from Joseph Odindo, who retired.
Days after Rapuro’s resignation, veteran journalist Eric Latiff checked out, departing from the struggling media giant.
Latiff became popular through ‘The Situation Room’ which airs on Spice FM every morning on weekdays.
In a statement on January 6, Latiff bid farewell to his colleagues and thanked the group for allowing him to be part of their team.
“On this 6th day of January 2025, my heart is heavy as I bid kwaheri to the brilliant team of colleagues at Spice FM and the Standard Group,” he said.
This was before he went on to join the Nation Media Group (NMG).
The Struggles of the Media Group
The Standard Group had in July 2024 declared over 300 employees redundant as part of a reorganization plan.
Also Read: Eric Latiff Lands Another Job After Quitting Standard Group
The company promised a one-year redundancy payment plan with instalments scheduled for September, October, and November 2024.
However, some former employees have since lamented that they have not received any payments.
In a statement, the affected workers highlighted the dire consequences of the delays, citing evictions over unpaid rent, inability to pay school fees for children moving from private to public schools, and struggles to afford essential medication and food.
“Many are barely putting food on the table, while those with medical conditions can no longer afford necessary drugs. Some have turned to construction work to survive,” the statement read.
Both current and former employees are reportedly owed salaries of up to eight months, covering June to August 2023 and March to July 2024.
The current CEO Marion Gathoga Mwangi is between a rock and a hard place to save the 100-year-old ship that has seen it all.
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