WRITTEN ON DECEMBER 22, 2023
A new online radio station that will focus on matters of youth, women and the vulnerable communities has been unveiled in Kisauni, Mombasa County.
The radio popularly known as DAYO-Radio will broadcast in both Kiswahili and English during their well researched programs with an aim to educate, inform and set the agenda.
The radio station at Mtopanga area is an initiative by Dream Achievers Youth Organisation, through the sponsorship of the Aga Khan foundation funding. The idea was conceived last year and actualized this year.
“There is a lot of young people who are yarning to get information online, so DAYO radio is an online radio ready to solve that gap, so we have partnered with Aga Khan foundation to ensure we sensitize the young people on very many things that affect their lives,” said Jira.
Speaking during a colorful ceremony held at the DAYO office compound in Mtopanga,Kisauni Mombasa on Thursday,DAYO executive director Seif Jira termed the radio project a game changer
The colorful event also witnessed the presence of media council of Kenya MCK officers, National cohesion and integration commission NCIC and Mombasa county youths affairs chief officer Khamis juma kurichwa among other dignitaries who witnessed the launch.
Our programs will focus on community affairs like health rights and education because many do not know they have rights to health, we have also launched a resource center, which will help the young people,” said Jira.
We have two permanent staff so far, we are looking at hiring more, so far we want to look for resources, we have talked with the media council and they have promised to support us by bringing paid interns to us, we will give them platforms,” said Jira.
Jira said during this festive season, many youth indulge in crimes and consume drugs, adding that the station will continue churning out peace messages to caution young people against crime.
Although the media landscape is growing so fast and has its own share of economic challenges,Jira said the organization will look for donors to support various programs that will be able to pay staff.
“The reason we launched it during this festive season is because we want to run messages of hope and peace, we want young people to refrain from crimes and drugs ,by doing so we will reduce crime levels in Kisauni,”said Jira.
On his part, national cohesion and integration commission NCIC coast region coordinator urged the owners to ensure the Says the radio will be used to spread peace in Kisauni.
Sensitize the young people against crime and drugs. Kisauni is among the areas mapped as insecure.Kisauni is notorious for crime.
On his part Mombasa county youth gender and sports chief officer Khamis juma kurichwa affirmed the county government commitment in advancing affairs of the youth through the radio talk shows.
“This is a big milestone, in community building, Kenyans will have a voice through the radio. We are in an information revolution, without information you can’t be heard,” said Kurichwa.
Adapted from Ommy Dallah
