Baraka FM, once a leading broadcaster in Kenya, is currently grappling with significant financial instability that has left its employees in a state of distress. The station has reportedly failed to pay its staff consistently throughout 2025, with many employees receiving only two partial salary payments, amounting to only a fraction of what they are owed. This has led to growing frustration among the workforce, who are now demanding timely and reliable compensation for their work.
For the employees of Baraka FM, 2025 has been marked by severe financial strain. Staff members claim that they have not been paid for months, with salary arrears reportedly exceeding Ksh 100,000 for several workers. In one notable instance, a presenter was forced to receive a partial payment of Ksh 10,000, which was sent directly to her landlord to prevent eviction. This was followed by another payment of only Ksh 2,000, a stark contrast to the amount she is owed.
The financial woes have been exacerbated by operational challenges that include a significant relocation. In less than six months, Baraka FM was forced to auction off various assets, leading to the removal of equipment that was essential for day-to-day operations. The station also moved from its office at Canon Towers to a small bedsitter in Ratna, a transition that many employees believe has negatively impacted the quality of the broadcasts. Workers say that what was once a professional broadcasting environment has now descended into uncertainty and declining output quality.
What Caused the Financial Strain?
Baraka FM’s financial problems appear to stem from a combination of poor management decisions and misallocation of funds. Despite securing commercial deals with prominent brands such as Safaricom, Juicy Fruit, and KEMRI Wellcome Trust Kilifi, employees claim that the revenue generated from these contracts has not translated into timely salary payments. Instead, the funds have allegedly been misused by management, leaving workers to fend for themselves, with many incurring personal debts just to cover basic living expenses.
The lack of financial transparency and accountability from the station’s leadership has sparked frustration among staff. One report even claims that the CEO of Baraka FM sent a mere Ksh 100 to employees traveling from areas like Mtwapa to Nyali, expecting them to show up without fail. If they failed to appear, they were reportedly asked to return the Ksh 100 and explain their absence, adding to the demoralization of the staff.
Staff Frustrations: A Call for Immediate Action
As the financial situation continues to deteriorate, employees are calling for immediate action to clear the salary backlog and improve the working conditions. The operational instability has reached a breaking point, with employees demanding that management resolve the ongoing issues to restore order within the station.
Some affected workers have reached out publicly, sharing their stories and frustrations with the wider community. One staff member, who requested anonymity, detailed how Baraka FM’s management has failed to live up to its responsibilities. The individual emphasized that the station had paid employees only twice in 2025, despite securing business deals with major companies. The source also highlighted the declining audio quality of the broadcasts and expressed frustration with the station’s inability to meet even basic operational needs.
“We need to be paid promptly and all our arrears cleared,” the staff member added. “It’s been months of struggling to make ends meet, and it’s clear that the management is not taking us seriously.”
The Strain on Employee Morale
The ongoing financial instability at Baraka FM is taking a heavy toll on employee morale. As the station faces internal conflicts, staff members are feeling more disillusioned by the day. With salaries delayed and working conditions deteriorating, it is becoming increasingly difficult for employees to maintain the passion and enthusiasm that once drove them to contribute to the success of the station.
One of the most troubling aspects of the situation is the lack of clear communication from the management. While employees continue to struggle to get paid, there are no clear updates from the leadership about when payments will be made or how the station plans to resolve its financial troubles. This has created a sense of uncertainty that pervades the workplace, leaving many questioning the future of Baraka FM and their roles within the company.
A Broken System: Time for Change
The situation at Baraka FM is a clear example of how poor management practices and financial mismanagement can destabilize a once-thriving organization. As the station continues to lose its grip on operations, it becomes evident that change is necessary to restore order and improve the work environment.
For Baraka FM to regain its standing as a leading media outlet in Kenya, it must first address the pressing issue of salary arrears and ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and promptly. The leadership must also take responsibility for its actions, improve communication with staff, and restore professionalism to the workplace.
In the meantime, employees remain hopeful that their grievances will be heard and that Baraka FM can turn things around before it’s too late. The situation remains tense, but with continued pressure from employees and the public, there may still be a chance for a resolution that benefits both the staff and the future of the station.
