Media Council of Kenya representative during a past event facilitated by MIDRIFT HURINET

Joseph Mecha, the Nakuru Media Council of Kenya Regional Coordinator, believes Radio is one of the most accessible and trusted platforms for sharing climate change information, reaching even remote and marginalized communities.

He says Radio helps raise awareness through expert discussions, talk shows, and news updates, making complex climate issues more straightforward to understand.

“Radio plays a key role in early warning systems, broadcasting alerts on extreme weather events like floods and droughts to help communities prepare.

It also helps counter misinformation, ensuring audiences receive accurate, science-based climate information.

Radio amplifies Indigenous knowledge, promoting traditional conservation practices alongside modern climate solutions.” he added.

His comments were echoed by Lucy Mwangi, Research Officer at the Nakuru Media Council of Kenya, who added, “Radio facilitates community dialogue, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and the public to discuss environmental issues and solutions.

Through interactive programs, it encourages communities to adopt sustainable practices like reforestation, water conservation, and climate-smart farming.

It also serves as an advocacy tool, empowering communities to demand action from leaders on climate policies.

By amplifying local voices and success stories, Radio helps inspire collective action toward environmental conservation and climate resilience.”

The World Radio Day 2025 theme is “Radio and Climate Change.”

This theme underscores radio’s pivotal role in disseminating fact-based information about climate change and supporting communities in understanding and addressing environmental challenges.

World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13th, is a global event established by UNESCO to celebrate radio’s role in promoting access to information, freedom of expression, and international cooperation among broadcasters.

Radio remains a vital medium for reaching diverse populations across various regions in Kenya.

The 2025 theme presents an opportunity for Kenyan radio stations to focus on climate-related issues affecting the nation, such as droughts, floods, and wildlife conservation.

By aligning with the global theme, Kenyan broadcasters can enhance public awareness, promote sustainable practices, and facilitate discussions on climate action tailored to local contexts.

This emphasis on promoting sustainable practices will make the audience feel responsible and proactive in addressing climate change.

MIDRIFT HURINET has recognized the profound impact of climate change on local communities and has integrated environmental considerations into its programs, particularly within the Resilience, Peace & Stability (RPS) initiative.

In partnership with Act Change Transform (ACT!) and supported by the Royal Danish Embassy, MIDRIFT HURINET implements the RPS program in Nakuru and Baringo counties.

This initiative aims to reduce political and natural resource-based conflicts and violent extremism.

A key program component focuses on enhancing sustainable land and forest management to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

This is achieved through multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration, promoting collective action for impact.

By highlighting the role of radio in promoting collective action, the audience will feel empowered and united in the face of climate change.

One tangible intervention includes engaging with Tiaty herders in Baringo County.

During these forums, the herders acknowledged climate change’s impending impact on grasslands.

MIDRIFT HURINET has encouraged initiatives such as hay planting to bolster the community’s resilience against climate challenges.

By integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into its peace and security programs, MIDRIFT HURINET addresses environmental challenges that exacerbate resource-based conflicts.

This holistic approach fosters sustainable development and strengthens community resilience in climate-related adversities.

MIDRIFT HURINET has actively collaborated to utilize radio to promote peace and security.

Radio is a crucial mass communication tool for disseminating information that can prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.

By partnering with local radio stations, the organization amplifies its outreach, disseminates critical information, and fosters community dialogue.

These radio collaborations educate the public on conflict prevention, human rights, and governance issues, enhancing community awareness and resilience.

Through the strategic use of radio broadcasts, MIDRIFT HURINET effectively bridges communication gaps, ensuring that messages of peace and security reach diverse and widespread audiences.

With its broad reach, radio can be a tool for early warning systems and disaster preparedness, potentially saving lives in vulnerable communities.

By integrating climate education into these alerts, MIDRIFT HURINET emphasizes the importance of resilience and preparedness in extreme weather events, contributing to community safety.

By strategically leveraging radio’s power, MIDRIFT HURINET bridges the gap between climate change awareness and action, creating informed, resilient, and united communities facing environmental challenges.

Highlighting local “climate champions” through radio features inspires listeners by showcasing individuals or groups leading climate-smart initiatives.

These stories motivate communities to adopt similar practices and emphasize the collective role in addressing climate change.

Developing radio programs that explore the link between climate change and conflicts over natural resources is a game changer.

These shows emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence and collaborative resource management while proposing sustainable environmental practices to solve resource-based tensions.

By: Jacob Karani