The story of radio in Kenya reflects the struggle of Kenyan women for visibility and voice. From the first colonial broadcasts in 1928 to the liberation of the airwaves in the 1990s, radio has been our most resilient and close companion.
It shifted from a tool of colonial control to a medium for national liberation and eventually became a platform for social change.
Throughout this journey, fearless pioneers have shaped the airwaves by breaking the silence. We honor the legacies of Grace Ogot, who was the first African woman broadcaster at the BBC and later a key figure at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), along with legends like Elizabeth Omolo, Khadija Ali, Toepista Nabusoba, Caroline Mutoko and many others.
Their voices did more than report the news, they created a space for women in a world that often wanted them to be listeners rather than leaders.
In the decades that followed, AMWIK realized that for radio to truly drive change, it needed to move beyond the studio and into the community. This led to the creation of Radio Listening Groups (RLGs).
By organizing women in rural and marginalized areas into structured groups to listen to and discuss targeted programs, AMWIK turned a one-way broadcast into a two-way conversation.
These groups became powerful catalysts for addressing serious social issues like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
When a woman in a village heard a survivor’s story or a legal expert’s advice on the radio and then talked about it with her peers, the “taboo” was broken. This community-led approach changed attitudes, helping to gradually decrease the prevalence of FGM by replacing myths with important facts and encouraging the reporting of cases.
As we celebrate World Radio Day 2026, we face a new digital frontier where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing journalism. The theme, “AI is a tool, not a voice,” is a clear call for our times. For female journalists, AI offers both great opportunities and serious risks.
On one hand, AI is a powerful force. Tools for automated transcription, real-time language translation, and in-depth data analysis can eliminate the tedious tasks in newsrooms, allowing women to focus on impactful storytelling.
In a country where vernacular radio has a large market share, AI-driven translation can help community reporters connect local dialects with global audiences, ensuring the stories of Kenyan women reach beyond our borders.
However, the risks are as significant as the opportunities, and we must not overlook the dangers. The digital battle against women has grown with the rise of technology-facilitated violence. There is also the danger of algorithmic bias since many AI models are trained on data that often reflects male perspectives.
Ultimately, the future of radio depends on our ability to differentiate between the efficiency of machines and the empathy of humans. AI can spot a trend, but it cannot feel the courage of a survivor or understand the cultural nuances of a village meeting.
We must push for ethical AI guidelines that prioritize gender-diverse datasets and maintain human accountability at the heart of the newsroom. Technology should support us, help us refine our microphones, but it must never take the mic away from the storyteller.
The power of radio lies in its personal connection, which is why it remains the most accessible medium. As we embrace AI, let’s make sure it enhances our tools while leaving the storytelling to those who live the stories.
Queenter Mbori, ED, Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK)
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!