Nakuru Journalists covering a past event facilitated by MIDRIFT HURINET

MIDRIFT HURINET has collaborated with journalists to promote Human Rights, Peace, and Good Governance.

In partnership with the Media Council of Kenya, they have previously organized a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness meeting in Nakuru, bringing together media professionals to discuss the critical role of journalism in addressing GBV issues.

MIDRIFT HURINET has conducted training sessions on conflict-sensitive media reporting, equipping journalists with the skills to navigate complex situations responsibly.

Recognizing the challenges journalists face, MIDRIFT HURINET’s Executive Director, Joseph Omondi, in a past engagement, urged media houses to develop comprehensive risk assessment registers to monitor and address cases of impunity against journalists.

Through these interventions, MIDRIFT HURINET underscores the importance of a free and responsible press in fostering informed and peaceful communities.

The journalists from MBCI & Egerton radio, some of MIDRIFT HURINET’s Media strategic partners, gave their remarks on World Radio

Day based on this year’s theme.

David Munene Njagi, Head of MBCI Radio, opined,

“As Head of MBCI Radio, I recognize the enormous potential of radio as a medium for raising awareness of climate change.

One of the most widely available and accessible media, radio is essential for enlightening, educating, and inspiring communities to take action and become more aware of climate change.

Our capacity to effectively communicate with a wide range of listeners, especially those in underserved and distant locations who might not have access to television or the internet, is one of MBCI Radio’s strongest points.

We make sure that conversations about climate change are heard in a language and manner that people can comprehend by using both live and recorded programming.

The ability of radio to deliver fast and constant updates is one of its main advantages.

We may educate listeners on new climate trends, weather warnings, and disaster preparedness strategies through news bulletins, special reports, and dedicated segments.

This is especially important for farmers, entrepreneurs, and local government representatives who depend on precise and up-to-date information to make wise decisions.

We can combine policymaker conversations,expert interviews, and interactive call-in sessions where listeners may speakwith climate experts directly at MBCI Radio.

This encourages a culture of involvement, guaranteeing that communities are active participants in climate solutions rather than merely passive consumers of information.

Furthermore, radio is uniquely positioned to simplify complicated climate issues into relatable and actionable messages.

We can demonstrate the practical effects of climate change and encourage behavioral change using captivating formats, including radio dramas, narratives, and testimonies.

For example, a well-written play about deforestation and how it affects rainfall patterns may have a more significant impact than a scientific lecture.

The benefit of using faith-based messages to promote environmental stewardship and inspire our listeners to take charge of preserving God’s creation is that we at MBCI Radio can do so.

In addition, radio is sustainable and reasonably priced, which makes it a dependable medium for ongoing climate education.

Radio is still available with battery- or solar-powered listeners, unlike digital platforms that need internet access or visual media that could require electricity.

This guarantees that even the most susceptible groups can remain informed. Whether through focused campaigns, educational jingles, or partnerships with environmental organizations, MBCI Radio has a moral and social duty to use its platform to promote ethical ecological practices as a Christian media outlet.

Radio continues to be a potent medium for climate advocacy.

As MBCI Radio, we can sway public opinion, impact legislative debates, and inspire grassroots environmental preservation efforts.

By utilizing our audience, reputation, and engaging programming, we can make a big difference in ensuring that people’s understanding of climate change leads to real change in our neighborhoods.”

Vincent Kimutai, a Journalist at MBCI Radio, added,

“Radio is a powerful medium crucial in educating and mobilizing communities to address environmental challenges.

With its broad reach and accessibility, radio is an effective tool for raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

Radio is vital in promoting environmental consciousness by airing shows about urgent topics, including pollution, deforestation, climate change, and conservation. It helps communities comprehend the effects of environmental degradation and the significance of sustainable practices by showcasing specialists who can explain these subjects in straightforward and understandable language.

Additionally, radio shows encourage tree-planting campaigns and other conservation efforts while educating listeners about doable solutions, including waste management, water conservation, and sustainable farming.

Beyond raising awareness, radio encourages community involvement by presenting true tales of how environmental issues impact people’s day-to-day lives.

Call-in shows give listeners a forum to express their worries, exchange stories, and discuss solutions, fostering a sense of group accountability and initiative. Likewise, by discussing environmental policies and pledges, radio may be a crucial tool for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that individuals in positions of authority take significant action to conserve the environment.

Radio stations frequently collaborate with neighborhood organizations to strengthen grassroots activities and plan on-ground projects like clean-up and afforestation campaigns.

Moreover, by providing timely weather updates and warnings about floods, droughts, and landslides, radio plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness.

Radio helps reduce risks and save lives by informing people about safety precautions before, during, and after disasters.

It continues to be a vital tool in the battle against environmental issues because of its capacity to educate, involve, and motivate action.

By utilizing its impact, communities can become more resilient, proactive, and conscious about protecting their environment for coming generations.”

Kipchumba Ngetich from Egerton Radio further voiced his sentiments by saying,

“Radio is a valuable tool in the dissemination of information on climate change.

It helps the vulnerable and people in local communities, such as those living in flood-prone areas, make critical seasonal decisions, making it invaluable for forecast communication.

Experts on climate change have been invited into the studio to help break down complex information for local communities to understand difficult climate change language and terminologies”

In supporting communities in understanding and addressing environmental challenges, he further said,

“Information regarding government programs about climate-resilient farming methods and adaptation strategies related to agriculture is necessary for rural communities that rely on it as their primary source of income. Information on agricultural data can be broadcast on the radio daily or weekly, making it easily comprehensible to local listeners.”

By: Jacob Karani