Catholic Diocese of Marsabit Launches a New Radio for Peace and Reconciliation

CREDIT: KCCB, Rose Achiego

New radio seeks to promote peace and reconciliation in Kenyas war torn North.

The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit has expressed joy over the opening of the only radio station operating in the jungle.
 
Radio in the jungle “Radio Jangwani 106.3 FM” as the name suggest operates in the largest County in Kenya mainly semi-arid and dominated by pastoralists.
 
In a phone interview with Waumini Communications, The Radio Director Fr. Ibrahim Racho said that the radio which went on air on 26^th, 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.
 
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 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, Waumini Communications and other partners for 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 that hopes to have 20 radios 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 Country for news coverage and program production highlighting the need to empower radio personnel through capacity building, training on conflict, sensitive 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 the daily programming. The radio that still require a higher transmission power covers 150km radius and is expected to reach all the 13 Parishes on a 78,000 square kilometers.

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