The history of Radio Kenya

By Peter Ochieng

Every 13th of February since 2012, Kenyans join the world in celebrating World Radio Day (WRD).

This year, the day is being celebrated under the theme of “Radio and Climate Change,” focused on highlighting the crucial role played by the medium in spreading awareness on environmental conservation and other issues pertaining to climate change.

The day was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012.

WRD promotes international cooperation between radio broadcasters, and encourages major networks for local radio stations to foster access to information and freedom of expression.

It is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity across the globe, with its unique ability to reach the widest audience meaning it can shape diversity in societies.

According to UNESCO, Radio continues to be one of the most trusted and used media in the world, even in the wake of disruptions occasioned by social media.

The date for WRD was actually set in tandem with the creation of United Nations Radio, which was initiated on February 13, 1946. Unlike other mediums such as TV or a newspaper, Radio is a low-cost means of communication, tremendously loved by audiences for its ability to offer real time weather or sports updates, or for company deep into the night, while carrying out other economic activities such as farming or house chores.

In Kenya, radio has come a long way. From the days of only one station in the country to the over 200 stations currently littered in various towns across the country.

Research indicates that Kenya's radio history began in 1928 with the establishment of the East African Broadcasting Corporation (EABC), the first radio station in the country.

The EABC, did majorly broadcast British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) news to white settlers, during Kenya’s colonization period which began in 1920. At the time, the EABC operated under private companies, before the Kenya Broadcasting Services (KBS) was established in 1959.

KBS gave birth to the Voice of Kenya (VOK) in 1964, before Parliament changed the name to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) in 1986. The name stands.

At the time, KBC was operating the Swahili and English Radio, and TV stables. That has changed drastically as the public broadcaster now operates several local dialect stations, alongside the TV, Swahili and English radio services. 

Radio outside of state-owned systems has developed since the late 1990s, with its peak being witnessed during Kenya’s third president, Mwai Kibaki’s time in office.

The Communications of Kenya (CA), initially the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has played a key role in simplifying the process of registering radio stations.