By Maureen Mukhobe
Nairobi, Kenya: The calls have been coming in from counties across Kenya.“What are the signs of cervical cancer in women?” Capt. Kipkeitany Arap Kurgat EGH from Baringo County asked via Radio Alpha.
During a discussion about Cervical Cancer Awareness month on Lulu FM, Florence from Kilifi County said “My sister is suffering from that disease, what should I do?”
Ariel, a listener of Mwendantu FM in Tharaka Nithi County responded to a discussion about the HPV vaccine by saying “This is my first time hearing about this vaccine. Is it only for girls?”
These are just a few examples showing the powerful reach of Makala ya Tumaini (“Program of Hope”), Digiredio’s program, which is broadcast every Thursday to a potential audience of 13 million listeners across Kenya.
Digiredio, a radio platform with a network of over 50 stations broadcasting in more than 25 languages, is helping to drive transformative change in communities across the country. Radio remains a key source of news and entertainment for most Kenyans due to its accessibility, affordability, and ability to convey messages in diverse languages.
The Makala ya Tumaini program, which features both pre-recorded and live content, is rich in expert interviews, community voices, and an educational drama series called Maumbini. Listeners actively engage by calling in, sending text messages, and interacting with presenters through social media platforms.
Through this two-way communication model, feedback from listeners is instrumental in decision-making and empowering community members to find solutions to their challenges.
When shared with decision-makers in the national and county governments as well as other partners, this type of feedback helps direct efforts to areas where assistance is most needed.
Digiredio is a Social Behavior Change platform at the Centre for Behavior Change and Communication. Peter Lengewa, managing director and founder of the Digiredio platform, said radio is a powerful tool that can be used to transform more marginalized and vulnerable communities in different regions.
Digiredio presenters, known as Digiredio Champions, play a crucial role in connecting directly with communities, and they are well-positioned to understand the impact of the programs on their listeners. Kula Nzomo, a Makala ya Tumaini show host on Vox Radio in Tana River, shared how programs aired under UNICEF’s Out-of-School Project have highlighted issues such as early pregnancy, school dropouts, early marriages, and health challenges.
Nzomo said this program has helped communities raise their issues, learn about the negative effects of harmful cultural practices, and find ways to improve their lives.
The impact of Digiredio’s programs extends from Tana River to Migori County, where Radio Rameny became a critical source of life-saving information during the heavy rains between March and May 2024. The floods caused widespread havoc but Radio Rameny’s timely and accurate updates provided listeners with essential safety information. Paul Odhiambo, manager, and presenter at Radio Rameny, said the audience grew and the station became a trusted source of information during emergencies.
“Listeners tuned in every day, sending questions and making inquiries about the safety measures they needed to take,” Odhiambo said.
Some of the topics covered through Digiredio programs include the School Re-enrollment Project in 16 counties, childhood-to-adult immunization programs in more than 30 counties, and accountability to affected populations in Turkana and Garissa counties.
In West Pokot County, for example, where many children are out of school due to cattle rustling, early marriages, and practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the “Come Twende Shule” education campaign from August 2023 to August 2024 achieved remarkable success.
Joseph Lochele, a Makala ya Tumaini presenter on Kalya Radio in Kapenguria, said many parents returned their children back to school after listening to the program.
“Our people had not understood why they should take their girls to school,” Lochele said, adding he is now proud that through this program more girls have the opportunity to return to school and excel.
