The government through the Communications Authority of Kenya has fined Homeboyz Radio Sh1 million for violating programming regulations after some of its presenters made inappropriate remarks against women.
In a statement on Sunday, the authority also suspended the Homeboyz radio breakfast show for six months.
The radio station will also be required to issue a public apology over remarks made by its former employees; Shaffie Weru, DJ Joe Mfalme, and Neville Muysa that appeared to glorify violence against women.
The authority has also directed Homeboyz radio to train its employees on programming code of conduct and reporting on sensitive issues. The latter training must be approved by the National Gender and Equality Commission.
In addition, the regulator has directed Homeboyz radio to ensure all its presenters are accredited by the Media Council of Kenya.
The authority’s statement comes a few hours after Homeboyz Radio fired the three employees with immediate effect.
In a statement on Saturday night, Homeboyz noted that after thorough investigation, the three were found guilty of gross misconduct, thus the termination.
Homeboyz Radio assured all its listeners and partners that it is committed to ensuring that its presenters and producers are trained on media and gender issues and the ethics of reporting on issues of gender-based violence and sexual assault, inclusivity and diversity.
“Our partners and listeners will not be surprised by this action to terminate their services as it is the right thing to do… The comments of said erstwhile employees were neither authorized, approved nor cleared with the company nor was the subject discussed and or authorized by the company’s senior leadership. We are deeply disappointed in their conduct.
“The company and its subsidiaries do not condone gender-based violence or any form of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse nor does it subscribe to the view shared by the three employees,"Homeboyz said in the statement.
The move comes hours after East African Breweries Limited (EABL) announced it will be pausing advertising on programs associated with the three presenters.
“Beginning Thursday, March 26, EABL paused all forms of advertising on all programmes related with these presenters. As a precondition to revert to our advertising partnership, we have asked RAG to conduct due diligence in the selection of presenters and embed a robust consequence management plan on those that do not abide by the code of conduct.
"We have also asked RAG to ensure continuous training programme for presenters to be sensitized on gender matters and commit to airing that will address negative gender narratives," the statement read in part.
Here is the full statement from the Communication Authority:
