By GPC News Desk
Nearly half of Kenyan journalists have gone more than three years without a salary review, while 82 per cent receive no allowances or bonuses, a new survey has found.
The inaugural State of Journalists’ Welfare Survey, conducted by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), paints a grim picture of remuneration, job security and working conditions in the media industry.
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The study found that journalists earn an average monthly salary of Sh63,000, with 52 per cent taking home less than Sh50,000.
Their average earnings are below the national average monthly wage of Sh86,000, highlighting the financial pressures facing media practitioners.
More than half of the respondents had also gone over two years without a salary review, while 48 per cent had not received one in more than three years.
The survey further found that journalists work an average of 8.5 hours daily, with more than 65 per cent reporting increased workloads over the past five years without corresponding increases in pay or allowances.
Job insecurity and mental health concerns
The findings point to growing dissatisfaction within the profession, with one in three journalists seeking employment outside journalism and planning to leave at the earliest opportunity.
Additionally, 89 per cent of respondents said they were actively looking for jobs outside their current workplaces, with dissatisfaction over workplace culture and working environments cited among the concerns.
Mental health emerged as another major concern, with 65 per cent of journalists reporting moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, including thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Despite the prevalence of these symptoms, only 25 per cent of respondents had sought professional mental health support in the preceding two years.
The survey also examines disparities between permanent and non-permanent employees, access to medical and pension benefits, employment security and workplace conditions.
KUJ to present recommendations
KUJ will present the findings and recommendations during a one-day conference at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel along Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya is expected to deliver the keynote address, focusing on how journalists can be supported to improve their financial and overall wellbeing.
The union says the survey is intended to provide an evidence base for advocacy on fair remuneration, better employment terms, improved social protection and safer, healthier working environments.
The conference, scheduled to begin at 8am on Friday, October 30, will bring together journalists, editors, photographers, videographers and other media professionals.
Union officials as well as representatives from MCK are among those expected to attend the conference.
