Comedian Shugaboy, a former Radio Maisha presenter has claimed that the station owes him over KSh 3 million in unpaid salary arrears. The broadcaster, who spoke with content creator 2mbili, said he resigned due to ongoing financial challenges at the media house.

Months of Delayed Payments

Shuga Boy told 2mbili that he experienced months of inconsistent salary payments during his time at Radio Maisha.
“I started with a monthly salary, but over time, payments became irregular,” he said. He added that some months went without pay, leading to a build‑up of arrears he could no longer absorb.
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The presenter said he had worked at the station for several years, contributing to its talk shows, news, and entertainment programming. Despite his efforts to build his profile, the persistent delays in payment prompted him to leave.
Suga Boy // Instagram
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Broader Concerns in the Media Sector

The situation at Radio Maisha reflects wider financial challenges within Kenya’s media industry. The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has previously reported that some media houses struggle to meet payroll obligations, affecting staff welfare and operations. 
Media analysts point to shrinking advertising revenue and delayed payments from both government and private advertisers as factors contributing to financial pressure in the sector. Specific financial details of individual stations, however, are often not publicly disclosed.
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Radio Maisha Yet to Respond

At the time of publication, Radio Maisha had not issued a public response to Shuga Boy’s claims. The former presenter also did not indicate whether he plans to pursue legal action to recover the unpaid amounts, nor did he share documentation of his contract or salary arrears during the interview.

ALSO READ: Mastering Your Money: Navigating Overspending in Kenya's Cost-of-Living Crisis

Shuga Boy // Instagram

Public Discussion Rekindled

The claims have renewed public discussion about employment conditions and financial sustainability in the Kenyan media. Workers and unions continue to advocate for timely payment and fair compensation, highlighting ongoing challenges for media employees across the country.
Shuga Boy’s statements serve as a reminder of the financial pressures facing some broadcasters and the importance of regular salary payments in maintaining staff morale and operational stability.