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By Kasandra Musyimi
Mombasa, Kenya – In a vibrant celebration of World Radio Day, media practitioners from across the Coast region gathered at the Burhani Sports Club in Mombasa to honor the enduring power of radio.
The event, organized by Coast Media FC on Friday, February 13, 2026, brought together veteran broadcasters, students, and stakeholders under the theme of community impact and professional integrity. The celebrations were proudly sponsored by Bandari DT Sacco and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The Voice of the Grassroots
Speaking during the event, participants highlighted radio’s unique ability to reach every corner of society—from the farmer in the field to the small-scale trader and the “boda boda” rider.
”Radio has become an essential tool for success. Whether it is through educational programs every Saturday or providing a platform for spiritual growth and social etiquette—like the ‘Je, Huu ni Ungwana?’ segments—radio remains the heartbeat of the people,” noted Mark Mutuku Musyi FM Reporter.
The event also served as a mentorship platform for students. With the current CBC curriculum (Grade 10) offering pathways in media and performing arts, students had the chance to witness firsthand that broadcasting is a viable, professional career that requires formal training and dedication.
A Call for Responsible Reporting
As the country approaches the electioneering period, the role of the journalist came under sharp focus. Reflecting on the history of radio in Kenya and Rwanda, speakers reminded journalists that the medium has been used for both “good and bad” in the past.
Ms. Maureen Mudi, the Regional Coordinator for the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), emphasized the weight of responsibility resting on the shoulders of broadcasters. She urged journalists to remain vigilant and ethical, especially when reporting on sensitive political matters.
Election Awareness: Radio will be the primary tool for educating citizens on voting procedures and democratic directions.
Peace and Security: Ms. Mudi and other representatives urged journalists to use their microphones to promote peace at the grassroots level, ensuring that information shared strengthens national stability.
Professional Integrity: “I urge my fellow journalists: do not let anyone despise you. Radio has a massive contribution to society. Let us be careful with what we report,” a representative urged the crowd, echoing Ms. Mudi’s call for high standards.
Inter-Media Tournament
To foster comradie, the celebrations featured an Inter-Media 7-Aside Football Tournament and a community walk. While the competitive spirit was high on the pitch, the ultimate goal was networking and solidarity among different media houses, including Radio Citizen, Digital Platforms and various local coastal stations.
The event highlighted that while technology evolves, the human connection provided by radio—especially in sports broadcasting where fans traditionally followed matches via transistor sets—is a segment of the industry that “will never die.”
The World Radio Day 2026 celebrations in Mombasa concluded with a clear message: Radio is not just a box that plays music; it is a guardian of peace, a teacher of the youth, and a vital bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.
