The oldest Kenyan media company, Standard Group PLC, has released its unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, showing continued losses but modest improvements in cost control and liquidity.
- •The media company reported a net loss of KSh 133 million, narrowing from KSh 200 million in the same period last year.
- •Revenue dropped 25% to KSh 789 million, reflecting weaker advertising sales and reduced government contracts.
- •Despite heavy losses and negative equity, the company says it remains cautiously optimistic that efficiency gains, cost reductions, and digital growth will lay the foundation for a sustainable turnaround.
Standard Group’s operating costs also fell by 26% to KSh 879Mn, while finance costs eased 17% to KSh 52 million.
This cut the pre-tax loss by a third, though the absence of a tax credit saw total comprehensive losses worsen to KSh 133Mn compared with KSh 112Mn a year earlier.
| Metric | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | YoY % / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 789.2 Mn | 1.049 Bn | -24.8% |
| Total Operating Costs | (878.8 Mn) | (1.186 Bn) | -25.9% |
| Finance Costs (Net) | (52.1 Mn) | (63.0 Mn) | -17.2% |
| Loss Before Tax | (133.0 Mn) | (200.2 Mn) | Improved 33.6% |
| Total Comprehensive Loss | (133.0 Mn) | (111.6 Mn) | Worsened |
| EPS (KSh) | (1.25) | (1.39) | Improved |
| Total Assets | 3.892 Bn | 3.836 Bn | +1.4% |
| Shareholders’ Equity | (2.355 Bn) | (2.222 Bn) | Worsened |
| Current Liabilities | 5.105 Bn | 4.996 Bn | +2.2% |
| Non-Current Liabilities | 1.142 Bn | 1.062 Bn | +7.5% |
| Net Cash from Operations | 189.2 Mn | 141.0 Mn* | +34.2% |
| Financing Cashflows | (33.1 Mn) | (126.5 Mn)* | Improved |
| Cash & Equivalents (Closing) | 127.7 Mn | (28.4 Mn)** | Turnaround |
*Comparatives for cashflows are based on FY 2024 audited figures.
**Closing cash at Dec 2024 used as comparative.
Balance Sheet Slight Improvements
- •Total assets stood at KSh 3.89Bn, slightly higher than year-end 2024, while liabilities rose to KSh 6.25Bn.
- •Shareholders’ equity remained negative at KSh 2.36 billion as liabilities increased.
- •Cashflow improved sharply, with operating inflows of KSh 189Mn compared with KSh 141Mn last year, lifting closing cash balances to KSh 128Mn from a deficit in December 2024.
Rights Issue and Recovery Plans
The group is pursuing a KSh 1.5 billion rights issue, approved by the Capital Markets Authority, to recapitalise the business. Proceeds will be used to restructure debt, fund digital expansion, and strengthen working capital.
Management has outlined a turnaround strategy under the 2025–2027 plan, including tighter cost discipline, intensified debt collection, and innovation across broadcast, print, and digital platforms.
The leadership transition saw Chaacha Mwita appointed as Acting CEO in July 2025, replacing Marion Gathoga-Mwangi.
