Hivisasa, one of Kenya’s pioneer digital media, has cut its staff by half as part of reorganization to cut operational expenses.
It is understood that the online publisher, owned by Mobile Web Ltd, has fired 17 employees across the departments through redundancy.
“It is with deep regret and in no way a testament to the quality of your work or dedication, that we must inform you that your employment with Mobile Web will be terminated due to redundancy,” the company said.
Hivisasa is currently active in 10 locations namely: Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Garissa, Mombasa and also Kibera (Nairobi).
The management, led by founder and CEO Chloe Spoerry, met staff on March 15 where the chilling message of the layoff was delivered. The affected staff have been given a one-month notice and will cease being employees of Mobile Web on 15th April 2019.
The management said the move is a result of global challenges of monetizing online content “under new pressures of competitors like Facebook and Google.” The two American companies have taken a huge chunk of digital advertising deals in Kenya, hurting even mainstream media.