Mediamax shutdown has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s media landscape, with K24 TV among the hardest hit as the company announces mass redundancies and operational restructuring after several years of challenges.
Presenters like Abuller Ahmed have bid emotional goodbyes, signaling the end of popular shows such as EPL Maskani, leaving football fans without their go-to Premier League analysis program.
This development shows the broader struggles in Kenya media layoffs, where economic pressures and digital shifts are forcing major changes in traditional broadcasting.
Mediamax Network Limited, owner of K24 TV, People Daily, Milele FM, and Kameme FM, issued a redundancy notice on July 16, 2025, affecting an undisclosed number of employees across its platforms.
The move, effective until August 15, 2025, aims to streamline operations amid a rapidly evolving media environment in Kenya. Sources indicate that K24 TV, a staple for news and sports content since its launch in 2007, faces significant cutbacks, with reports of potential signal disruptions and program cancellations.
Earlier in June 2025, the station experienced a temporary shutdown by authorities for covering Gen Z protests, raising concerns about media freedom, though broadcasts were later restored.
The Mediamax shutdown’s impact on sports programming is particularly felt with the apparent discontinuation of EPL Maskani, a beloved show hosted by Abuller Ahmed.
Known for his engaging commentary on English Premier League matches, Ahmed’s departure has been marked by heartfelt social media posts, where he expressed gratitude to viewers and colleagues.
“It’s been an incredible journey bringing the EPL to Kenyan homes,” Ahmed shared on X, hinting at new ventures while lamenting the end of an era.
Fans have flooded platforms with tributes, recalling how EPL Maskani provided in-depth analysis, guest appearances, and live match previews, making it a weekend ritual for soccer enthusiasts.
This wave of Kenya media layoffs at Mediamax is not isolated; it follows similar actions by other outlets grappling with declining ad revenues and competition from digital giants like YouTube and streaming services.
The company’s statement cited the need for restructuring to ensure sustainability, but critics argue it reflects deeper issues, including mismanagement and economic downturns affecting the sector.
Over 5,000 jobs have been lost across Kenyan companies in the first nine months of 2025, with media houses like Mediamax contributing significantly to this tally.
Abuller Ahmed, a prominent figure in Kenyan sports journalism, joined K24 TV in 2018 and quickly became synonymous with EPL Maskani. His goodbye message, posted on August 10, 2025, coincided with the start of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, leaving viewers without familiar faces for matchday discussions.
Other presenters and staff have echoed similar sentiments, sharing stories of camaraderie and the challenges of working in a volatile industry.
The show’s fixtures for the season, once eagerly anticipated, now seem obsolete as K24 TV scales back entertainment content. Fact checks have clarified that while rumors of a complete K24 TV closing circulated on social media, the situation involves targeted redundancies rather than a full shutdown.
However, the practical effect on programming like EPL Maskani is akin to closure, with no immediate plans for revival announced. Industry experts predict a shift toward digital-first strategies, where former staff like Ahmed could migrate to online platforms or independent podcasts to continue engaging audiences.
The Mediamax shutdown also highlights regulatory tensions, as seen in the June 2025 signal switch-off by the Communications Authority of Kenya. The Media Council of Kenya called for immediate restoration, emphasizing constitutional rights to information.
As 90% redundancies take effect, affected employees are entitled to severance packages, but many express uncertainty about future prospects in a shrinking job market.
Social media reactions have been swift as users mourn the loss of local content. Football fans, in particular, lament the end of EPL Maskani, which offered unique Kenyan perspectives on global leagues.
Ahmed’s departure has inspired calls for support of independent media, potentially leading to new ventures in sports commentary. As the dust settles on the Mediamax shutdown, the fate of K24 TV remains uncertain, with potential mergers or digital pivots on the horizon.
The end of EPL Maskani leaves a void in sports broadcasting, prompting viewers to seek alternatives amid ongoing Kenya media layoffs.
The emotional goodbyes from presenters like Abuller Ahmed underscore the human cost of these changes, as the Mediamax shutdown forces talented individuals to reinvent their careers.
With no EPL Maskani this season, fans are turning to other channels, but the show’s legacy endures. You will watch all FTA EPL matches at TV47. Here is TV47 fixture.
In conclusion, the Mediamax shutdown has profoundly impacted K24 TV, culminating in the end of EPL Maskani and departures like Abuller Ahmed’s. This episode in Kenya media layoffs serves as a reminder of the industry’s fragility, urging stakeholders to adapt for long-term viability.
