Standard Media Group, once considered a respected leader in Kenya’s media field, is now grappling with serious allegations that threaten its reputation and internal stability.
A whistleblower has come forward, revealing a toxic work environment fueled by bullying, harassment, and poor management, with a central figure being Charlene Kavulani, a senior executive in the Transformation Office.
According to the whistleblower, Charlene’s actions have severely damaged the company’s culture, contributing to a climate of fear and hostility that has affected both employees and senior staff.
The whistleblower claims that Charlene manipulated the human resources department to secure an extension of her contract after her initial tenure ended in October.
This extension, rather than being a temporary measure, allegedly allowed her to harass and dismiss employees who opposed her tactics or disagreed with her management style.
Instead of adhering to formal recruitment processes, Charlene was reportedly promoted to a new role as Continuous Improvement Manager, directly supporting the CEO’s office.
This promotion is said to have been achieved not through merit but through manipulation and coercion.
Charlene’s behavior, according to the whistleblower, has created an atmosphere where staff morale is at an all-time low.
Employees have been subjected to constant mistreatment and insults, and those who stand up to her are said to be targeted.
Several staff members, including prominent individuals such as Tanya Koech, Kizito Namulanda, and Evans Alusa, were reportedly made redundant due to her influence.
The whistleblower paints a picture of a workplace where fear reigns, and those who challenge Charlene’s authority face severe repercussions.
Further allegations suggest that Charlene’s personal relationships have played a role in her rise within Standard Media Group.
She is said to have manipulated the promotion of Edwin Kwambai, who moved from his position as a Producer at Berur FM to GM Radio.
Many employees believe this promotion was unearned and that Charlene’s influence, combined with her alleged relationship with Kwambai, led to the displacement of Thomas Japanni from his position as Head of Radio.
This situation has led to accusations of favoritism and nepotism within the company, eroding trust among employees.
The whistleblower also points to Charlene’s so-called “Cadence sessions,” which have reportedly become forums for bullying and public humiliation.
Staff members, including interns, have been left in tears after these sessions, which are intended to promote improvement but instead serve to insult and belittle employees.
This behavior has created a toxic work environment where employees fear retaliation and harassment at every turn.
Amid these internal struggles, Standard Media Group is facing mounting financial pressures. Employees have not been paid for months, and protests have erupted outside the company’s Mombasa Road offices, with former workers demanding overdue wages and benefits.
This financial crisis, combined with the toxic work environment, has fueled growing discontent within the company.
The whistleblower urges the Labor Department to investigate the HR department’s actions, which are said to have been manipulated by Charlene to terminate employees without proper cause.
There are calls for Charlene’s removal from her position, as many believe that her continued presence in the company will only prolong its struggles and further damage its reputation.
Unless decisive action is taken, the company’s transformation efforts will continue to fail, and its future remains uncertain.
These revelations expose a company in crisis, where toxic leadership and unethical practices threaten not only the well-being of employees but also the future of Standard Media Group itself.
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