Editor's Review

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) staff in Kenya is set to get a 7% pay increment after the media house reached an agreement with the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ). 

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) staff in Kenya is set to get a 7% pay increment after the media house reached an agreement with the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ). 

In an internal communication by Rachael Akidi, who is the Head of BBC East Africa, BBC reached an agreement with the KUJ on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

"I’m pleased to let you know that the BBC has reached an agreement with the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA will be in effect until 31 July 2023.

"All eligible staff in Kenya will receive a 7% wage increment effective 1 August 2021. The BBC and the KUJ will reconvene in June 2022 to agree the pay offer for the second year of the CBA, which will commence on 1 August 2022," part of the statement read. 

File image of Eric Oduor Secretary General Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) 

The statement adds," We will now start to update pay for the September payroll and will backdate any increases to 1 August. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your line manager in the first instance."

According to a source who spoke to Nairobileo.co.ke, the deal is negotiated by KUJ and even non-members in Kenya will get the increment. 

The source further revealed that BBC staff missed a pay increment in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but a pay cut was not instituted on their salaries. 

KUJ is an organisation that seeks to improve the working conditions of journalists. It also protects and promotes media freedom, professionalism, and ethical standards in the media industry.