Community Radios in Kenya

This report is a compilation of the proceedings at the National Seminar on the way forward for Community Radios in Kenya that was held in Nairobi on the 25th and 26th June 2008. The seminar was organised by EcoNews Africa in collaboration with UNESCO, Eastern Africa Regional Communications Offi ce and BBC World Service Trust, Kenya and Somalia Offi ce in Nairobi. The theme of the seminar was “Re-igniting and strengthening the role of community radios in Kenya.” It was attended by about 50 participants, comprised of community radio practitioners, broadcasting professionals, government representatives, policy makers and many community radio enthusiasts. The seminar lasted for two days, each day dedicated for the exploration of a particular theme. Day one was dedicated to introductory remarks from the collaborating partners, the key note address by the Minister for Information and Communications and various presentations by broadcasting professionals. The expert presentations on day one focussed on the state, aims, roles, performance, strengths, challenges, the policy and legislative frameworks of community broadcasting in Kenya. These presentations were placed in the context of the existing landscape, strengths and constraints of community broadcasting in Kenya