January 10, 2008

PROJECTS / RADIO: 101.5 Koch FM (KENYA)

101.5 Koch FM

Country

Kenya

Region

Africa

Programme Summary

The 101.5 Koch FM is a private radio station owned and run by the youth of Korogocho slum in Nairobi. The station is a product of Miss Koch Initiative, a project started in 2001 to respond to rising cases of sexual abuse in the slum. The radio station aims to increase security in the settlement, create awareness of women abuse as well as provide entertainment.

Communication Strategies

101.5 Koch FM broadcasts daily
from 6am to 10 pm daily. It plays reggae and local music and well as local news. "Our news are specifically packaged for people living in the ghetto. What is news to us may not necessarily be news in the mainstream media," says Wandei. There are also programmes for women run by a local female reporter. All programmes aim to be entertaining and educational.

The station has one technician, a graduate of Kenya Polytechnic, who grew up in the slum. Koch FM managing editor, Otieno Wandei, says they hope to attract commercials to be able to run the station.


The station broadcasts in Kiswahili and English in Korogocho and the surrounding areas. The radio station is supported by 25 men and 35 women aged between 18 and 28 and has nine male and female presenters who all grew up in the slum and who work on a voluntary basis. Most of the equipment was acquired through donations from organisations and individuals. The local community has also supported the radio stations by donating seats, tables, utensils and books.

Development Issues

Youth.

Key Points

The station was launched on June 24 2006 by the Miss Koch Initiative. This organisation aims to create a society that respects and promotes wholesome development of its male and female members. It seeks to provide a platform for Korogocho youth, particularly girls, to participate in the socio-economic and political matters.


Some of the initiative’s achievements are establishing an education fund for girls and a community resource centre. The initiative won the Mayor’s 2004 Award, while the winner of the Miss Koch 2003 was declared the Eve Young Woman of Year in 2004.

Partners

Institute of Policy Analysis, Norwegian Church Aid, Pamoja Trust.

Contact

Raphael Obonyo
Miss Koch Initiative
David Okoth Ayieko
p.o. box 47714
Nairobi
Kenya

Tel: + 254 725 278 578 / 254 0726 913893

raphojuma@hotmail.com
misskoch2001@yahoo.com

4853@members.amarc.org

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