The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya has expressed joy over the opening of the only radio station operating in the jungle; “Radio Jangwani 106.3 FM” owned by the Diocese.
Radio Jangwani which means ‘Desert Radio’ as the name suggest, operates in the largest county in Kenya mainly semi-arid and dominated by pastoralists.
In a telephone interview with Waumini Communications, The Radio Director Fr. Ibrahim Racho said that the radio which went on air on 26th, January, 2016, is a tool for evangelization and aims at addressing social, economic and political concerns of the people of Marsabit. “Through our programs, we intend to promote community dialogue and co-existence in a region confronted by frequent ethnic clashes, cattle rustling and cross border conflicts amongst others,” he said.
Fr Racho confirmed that the radio has been well received by the community members who have given their feedback through the phone calls and text messages sent to the radio.
He added that though there are 14 different communities in Marsabit County, the radio Jangwani broadcasts in four languages: Swahili, Borana, Turkana and Samburu since they are widely understood by all.
Fr. Racho thanked Marsabit Bishop Rt. Rev Peter Kihara who is also the KCCB- Commission for Communication Vice Chairman for ensuring that the Diocese has a radio station, Waumini Communications and other partners for the realization of the project.
Meanwhile, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) - Waumini communications
Omwoyo said that, Waumini Communications is committed to ensuring that the radio has reliable means of transport to enable accessibility even to the interior parts of the County for news coverage and program production highlighting the need to empower radio personnel through capacity building, training on conflict resolution, investigative journalism and others as the need arise.
He said the radio is a vital tool in addressing issues of tribal clashes by preaching peace, encouraging rural development, offering community education and addressing issues of radicalization through its daily programming.
The radio that still require a higher transmission power, covers 150km radius and is reaching to all the 13 Parishes on a 78,000 square kilometers.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB