Kenya’s Marsabit Diocese Launches a New Catholic Radio for Peace and Reconciliation

AMECEA Online News || By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB || 29 January 2016

The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit in Kenya has expressed joy over the opening of a Catholic radio called “Radio Jangwani,” broadcasting on 106.3 FM.

Radio Jangwani, translated from Swahili as ‘Desert Radio,’ has begun its operations in the largest and mainly semi-arid county in Kenya, populated by pastoralists.

In a telephone interview with Waumini Communications, The Radio Director Father Ibrahim Racho said that the radio, which went on air on January26, 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,” Father Racho said.

He 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 further said that although Marsabit County consists of 14 different communities, radio Jangwani broadcasts in four languages: Swahili, Borana, Turkana and Samburu since they are widely understood by all.

Father Racho also thanked his Bishop, Rt. Rev Peter Kihara for ensuring that the Diocese has a radio station.

He extended the appreciation to Waumini Communications and all partners who facilitated the realization of the project.

Meanwhile, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) - Waumini communications Managing Director David Omwoyo said that Radio Jangwani is one of the 20 radio stations envisaged in the strategic plan of realizing 20 radio stations across the country by 2020.

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.

Covering 150km radius, the new radio reaches out to all the 13 Parishes of the diocese.

Final editing by CANAA

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