More than half of journalists in Kenya earn less than KSh50,000 per month, raising concerns over poor remuneration, job security and working conditions in the country’s media industry.
A survey conducted by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) found that 52 per cent of journalists take home less than KSh50,000 monthly.
The findings highlight the financial challenges facing media professionals, with low salaries, job insecurity and heavy workloads emerging as some of the major factors affecting their welfare and professional performance.
According to the findings, journalists earn an average monthly salary of KSh63,000, which remains below the national private-sector average of approximately KSh86,000.
The survey, which sampled 120 journalists across different media organisations and employment categories, further established that 55 per cent work as correspondents, freelancers or contributors rather than permanent employees, exposing them to greater employment uncertainty.
It also found that 48 per cent of respondents had not received a salary review in more than three years, while 82 per cent said they did not receive allowances or bonuses.
Workload was another major concern, with journalists working an average of 8.5 hours daily. More than 65 per cent reported an increase in workload over the past five years without corresponding improvements in salaries or allowances.
The findings also revealed growing dissatisfaction within the profession, with 89 per cent of respondents actively seeking employment outside their current workplaces, while one in three indicated plans to leave journalism at the earliest opportunity.
KUJ Secretary-General Eric Oduor warned that poor remuneration was undermining journalists’ ability to perform their professional responsibilities.
He argued that journalists’ welfare directly influences their morale and ability to hold those in power accountable while serving the public interest.
The report, titled The Pain Behind the Byline: State of Welfare and Social Protection for Journalists in Kenya, is expected to inform discussions on better remuneration, improved employment terms, stronger social protection and healthier newsroom environments.
