RADIO BAYANA (RB) PROFILE
Radio Bayana seeks to raise awareness on four main development issues that affect economic development in the coastal province. It is first and foremost a diocesan tool of evangelization, that is disseminating and spreading Christian faith and values of love of love and peace. It also serves as a mobilization tool for pastoral and human development.
It is a communication platform for the people of the coastal region to voice their concerns on their development issues which include amongst others- unemployment, radicalization of the youth, inter-ethnic conflict, low enrolment in education, poverty and the devastating effects water related diseases in the Coast Province.
RB is a means and tool to address and find some solutions to the common challenges in the Region and a country as whole. The general elections in Kenya have attracted ethnic based debates amongst diverse communities and as a result there is increasing tension in the Coastal region. Ethnic violence in this region first occurred in 1991 and it has been recurring since then. The indigenous people of the coast province continue to compete for resources with those from upcountry and this has now been embodied in the MRC[1] claim for cessation.
Tens of people die each year from religious conflicts between Muslims and Christian groups. However, this type of conflict is covert and only comes to the fore when there are other underlying tensions in the Coast Province. Disputes arising between the main religious faiths in Kenya (Christian and Muslim) often tend to degenerate into violence. There is also considerable suspicion and mistrust between the two faiths as clearly became evident during the constitutional review process in 2005. The Muslim community in Kenya also find themselves in the shadow of unfounded suspicion as being sympathetic to international terrorist organizations. It is necessary therefore to articulate a mechanism to foster interfaith dialogue to build understanding and pre-empt incidences of sectarian violence in the coast.
In the past three decades the coastal province has developed a significant drug problem, in particular heroin. Its location strategically places it as an important transit point for the trans-Indian drug trade that moves products from South Asia to South Africa and the Americas. Heavy drug use and commercial sex work that women engage in, because of a large tourist presence as an indication of structural violence in Malindi. The local drug using community has become more visible throughout the years and now constitutes a major threat to the local community and future economic prospects of the region.
Youth radicalization has been an issue that has been experienced mostly in the coastal region. Radicalization in Kenya continues to increase among the youth in the coast region despite attempts to counter it through seminars, religious teachings, and interactive sessions in which religious leaders’ caution the youth against being misled by extremists. This has further exacerbated terrorist attacks and fuelled internal conflicts, especially at the coast.
Radio Bayana in the diocese of Malindi plays a big role in mediating relationships between citizens and state, in shaping the democratic dispensation in the country, and transforming utterly how some of the most marginalized in the coastal province access information on issues that shape their lives.
Notably, Kenyan citizens have become increasingly reliant on the media for information relating to development, finance, health, religion amongst other development issues. The media is seen as a credible source of information, it has gained a reputation for exposing corruption and acting as a vigorous forum for public debate.
RB continues to play an important role in the achievement of sustainable development the coastal region, it promotes social and economic empowerment through development communication. The radio facilitates two-way communication, between citizens and officials in the county government through phone-ins and interactive live shows. The radio shall continue to increase awareness on opportunities for micro-finance and entrepreneurship through news advertisements.
RB provides a platform for citizens to communicate and voice concerns on issues that affect the coastal region. It also serves as an advocacy platform for governance issues.
The radio talk show hosts are trained on conflict sensitivity and will be expected to reach across ethnic barriers. The radio also curtails phone-ins that perpetrate ethnic stereotypes and will instead call for reconciliation and sustainable development.
Base: RB is based in Malindi at the Catholic Institute along Mtangani Road.
Coverage: The covers the radius of 100 km from its transmission point at Majenjeni-Mambrui in Malindi township.
Contacts:
- Radio Bayana, P.O. Box 1573-89200 Malindi, Kenya
- Mobile: +(254)0723068447
- Director: Fr. Alexander Kimbi, MHM, (+254723768447)
Website: www.malindicatholicdiocese.org
[1] Mombasa Republic Council