The Kenya Meat commission (KMC) has laid off 119 employees in an effort to reduce a ballooning wage bill and cut operation costs as the meat processor struggles to stay afloat.

KMC managing commissioner Joseph Learamo said the state-owned firm previously had 420 employees, which were now reduced to 301 as the wage bill was unsustainable..

Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) has been grappling with financial constraints since it was reopened and has been relying on government loans and grants for survival.

KMC has been operating at a quarter of its capacity and can hardly sustain its operations. It’s currently processing 5,000 cases of corned beef a month yet it has capacity to handle 20,000 cases.

The recent layoff by KMC comes hoot in the heels of a similar move by Kenya Airways and the Nation Media Group, which have been received by public criticism.