Employees working at the Voice of America (VOA), including Kenyan staff, could soon be rendered jobless after the Trump administration issued a memo requiring VOA journalists to go on compulsory leave.
According to an email seen by The Kenya Times sent to VOA staff by the Director of Human Resources from the office of the US Agency for Global Media, Crystal Thomas, VOA employees were informed that they had been placed on administrative leave.
Some of the Kenyan nationals working at VOA include Vincent Makori, who is a writer, reporter, translator and broadcaster in Swahili.
Another Kenyan journalist at VOA is Esther Githui Ewart, who is a lead anchor and writer for VOA’s English to Africa program.
Crystal explained that the decision aligns with the Presidential Executive Order Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.
“This email provides important information regarding your employment status.
Pursuant to the Presidential Executive Order Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy -The White House and the Office of Personnel Management Guidance on Probationary Periods. Administrative Leave and Details and additional authorities, including but not limited to. 5 C.F.R.§ 630.1403. effective immediately,” read the statement.
Trump Administration Orders VOA Worker to Go on Compulsory Leave
Other than VOA workers going on administrative leave, the email clarified that VOA employees would remain on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice.
The Director for the U.S. Agency for Global Media also clarified that the administrative leave was not disciplinary in nature.
Further, the Director issued the following instructions to VOA workers;
During the period that they will be on administrative leave, they will not be allowed to enter USAGM premises, access USAGM systems, or attempt to use their position or authority with USAGM in any way without the Director’s permission or prior permission of a supervisor in their chain of command.
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Since one of the VOA workers will not have any official business during the leave time, upon request, they will be expected to immediately surrender their official USAGM identification badge and press pass, as well as any keys or other official government property, including documents, records, electronic and telephone devices, and other equipment.
Instructions Issued to VOA Workers While on Leave
Additionally, while they are on administrative leave with pay, they must be available by their personal telephone and personal e-mail during normal business hours, as it may be necessary for Agency officials to contact them.
“To that end, from your personal email, please send an email to [email protected] providing your personal contact information, including your phone number, email address, and mailing address by Monday, March 17, 2025,” the Director said.
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Furthermore, they also must remain available to report to work if directed to do so and will be required to do so within one (1) business day of being contacted by an Agency representative, whether telephonically or electronically.
Moreover, Crystal reiterated that while on administrative leave, employees would remain employed by the Agency. They are required to comply with the instructions of their supervisors, all applicable laws and regulations, and agency policies, including the Broadcasting Administrative Manual (BAM).
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