New Radio Station To Be Launched During Govt-Led Celebrations [DETAILS]

Swahilipot FM, a station owned by Swahilipot Foundation under the Art, Technology and Heritage Centre, Swahilipot Hub, will be launched on Monday, August 12 during the International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations in Mombasa led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The station, as Viral Tea has learnt, will be a community radio station based in Mombasa under Swahilipot Hub, which is a known International icon, nurturing youth talents. It was initiated by a renowned youth mentor, Mahmoud Noor about 10 years ago.

The new radio station will be broadcasting in the Swahili language, however, some programs will be fused with the English language just to ensure the target audience who is the youth is glued all through its live broadcast and entertainment programs.

Swahilipot FM broadcasts on 91.7 Frequency Modulation (FM) in Mombasa, with varying frequencies across the Coastal region. It is anticipated that its program line-up will stir tongues in every corner of the Coast region and vast audience through the stations’ digital and audio-visual platforms.

Already, the station plays different genres of music, with a bigger percentage targeting the youthful generation, the specific line of the Swahilipot FM target audience.

A logo of the upcoming Swahilipot FM. /SWAHILIPOT FM

This programming style calls for informative, educative knowledge, talk, and education bonded with entertainment (Edutainment) and mobilisation aspect of the stations’ programming.

Choosing to launch the station within the Coastal region is expected to bring on board a huge number of listeners there through its vibrancy and appeal to the youth, Kenya’s largest demographic, and anticipated to pose a threat to other stations in the region such as leading independent Mijikenda radio station, Radio Kaya, Msenangu FM, Pwani FM, Islamic based radio stations Radio Salaam and Radio Rahma, Sauti ya Pwani FM, Royal Media Services (RMS) owned Bahari FM and MO Radio.

Further, appealing to a young audience could see it attract interest across the country as well as young talent aiming to set up their radio careers. The first guest on Monday at the station will be Charlene Ruto, President William Ruto’s daughter.

International Youth Day

Meanwhile, the Ministry alongside the National Youth Council and other partners were able to launch the National Youth Week (NYW) in Kisumu on August 6, with other build-up youth regional activities in Eldoret, Murang’a and Isiolo, towards the International Youth Day (IYD) that will be observed on Monday, August 12, 2024.

The theme for this year’s IYD is From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, which resonates with the Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the Kenya Kwanza Plan (2022-2027).

The National Youth Week was held from August 4 to 12, 2024. This year, activities were centred around five critical pillars: Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry, which are expected to represent areas where the youth will significantly contribute to national development and global progress.

Throughout these events, the aim was to engage and impact over 5000 youth, including the International Youth Day celebration, fostering a generation of informed, active, and empowered individuals.

In addition to various activities, policy briefs addressing the five pillars will be launched during the International Youth Day celebration.

“These events are timely and pivotal, as we embrace the digital era. This year’s theme aligns with the 
Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the 
Kenya Kwanza Plan, emphasizing the digitization and automation of government services.

“This initiative will not only enhance service delivery but also contribute significantly to the pillars of Health, 
Agriculture, MSMEs, and Financing, fostering a resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy for our 
youth. We are committed to empowering the youth and creating platforms where they can express their 
voices and contribute meaningfully to society,” Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir revealed in a press release sent to Viral Tea.

Principal Secretary Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Ismail Maalim Madey weighed in, stating that the pillars are essential for empowering youth and fostering their role in National Development and they encompass environmental stewardship, sustainable food production, public health, civic engagement, and innovation.

“In alignment with the International Youth Day theme, we recognize the transformative power of digital technology in advancing these pillars. Digital tools have always acted as an enabler to innovate, connect, and lead efforts that drive sustainable development across these critical areas.

“We are cognizant that the future of our Nation lies in the hands of the Youth. Their energy, innovation, and determination will definitely shape the trajectory of our Country. Therefore, it is our duty, as enablers, to provide them with the platforms and opportunities, that they need to succeed,” Madey stated.

The celebrations will feature a procession (street walk) at 7 am from Mapembeni (Elephant Tusks) along Moi Avenue in Mombasa to Swahilipot Hub, the main venue of the event.

Other than the celebrations, Kenyans can expect an entertainment showcase at Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa from 5.00 pm featuring music talents such as Masauti and Trio Mio as well as MC Gogo, DJ Daffy and VJ Chris.

A poster showing Trio Mio’s upcoming performance on Monday, August 12, 2024. /HANDOUT