The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit is a vibrant missionary Church serving the people of northern Kenya. Despite the many challenges faced in the region including recurrent drought, widespread poverty, and the vast distances between parishes and communities the Diocese has remained steadfast in its mission of proclaiming the Gospel and promoting the holistic development of the people it serves.

Across the expansive landscapes of Marsabit County and its neighbouring areas, thousands of Catholics, together with many other community members, rely on the Church not only for spiritual nourishment but also for education, peacebuilding, and social development.

During the early years of his ministry in the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara Kariuki, Bishop of Marsabit, envisioned new and innovative ways of reaching the faithful and the wider community across this vast and often remote region. Recognising that effective communication is essential to evangelisation and community development, he encouraged the Diocese to explore ways through which important messages, news, and teachings could reach people more efficiently and consistently.

Inspired by this vision, the then Vicar General, Fr. Isack Ibrahim Raccho, initiated a diocesan bulletin publication known as Jangwani. The bulletin aimed to provide first hand information to local communities by sharing Church news, reflections on faith, and updates on development initiatives taking place within the Diocese.

However, Bishop Kihara soon realised that the vast geographical size of the Diocese and the challenging terrain significantly limited the effectiveness of a printed publication. Many parishes are separated by great distances, and priests often travel long and demanding routes to minister to scattered communities. Because of these realities, articles for the bulletin were sometimes collected only when priests travelled to the diocesan centre. Consequently, news intended for the faithful could take up to three months to reach its audience.

This challenge prompted a new and transformative idea: a communication medium capable of transcending distance and delivering information instantly to communities spread across the region. From this reflection emerged the vision of establishing a radio station that could reach pastoralists in the rangelands, families in remote villages, and towns across the county simultaneously.

Thus, Radio Jangwani was born Year 2016

The name Jangwani carries a profound symbolic resonance. the word jangwa extends far beyond the physical terrain. It also points to a deeper and more subtle reality the desert of the human heart. At times, when mistrust replaces understanding, when division overshadows dialogue, and when conflict silences compassion, the human spirit can experience its own kind of drought. In such moments, relationships become dry and fragile, and communities that were meant to flourish together begin to drift apart like grains of sand carried by opposing winds.

But deserts are not merely places of emptiness. They are also places of revelation. Throughout history and spiritual tradition, the desert has been a place where silence gives birth to wisdom, where wandering leads to discovery, and where the human heart learns once again to listen. It is in the desert that voices carry far, that small signs of life become deeply meaningful, and that hope, like a hidden spring beneath the sand, quietly waits to be uncovered.

It is within this deeper understanding that the name Jangwani finds its true significance. Radio Jangwani was envisioned as a voice in the desert a voice that travels across the open landscapes and into the inner spaces of the human heart. Its mission is to speak where silence has grown heavy, to encourage dialogue where misunderstanding once prevailed, and to remind communities that even in the driest places, the seeds of unity and peace can still take root.

In this sense, Jangwani is not merely a name; it is a calling. It is a reminder that the desert, both around us and within us, is not the end of the journey. Rather, it is often the beginning of renewal where voices rise, hope returns, and communities rediscover the life that springs from listening to one another.

Hence “BARAGUMU YA FARAJA”

Radio Jangwani was therefore envisioned as a voice in the desert, calling communities toward unity, dialogue, and peace. In a county blessed with remarkable cultural diversity including the Borana, Rendille, Gabra, Samburu, Turkana, Elmolo, Burji, Somali, and many other communities. The station has become a common platform where every voice can be heard and where mutual understanding can flourish.

Since its establishment, Fr. Raccho appointed as the station’s founding director envisioned Radio Jangwani not merely as a media outlet but as a pastoral and social mission platform. Under his leadership, the station remained firmly rooted in the Church’s mission of evangelisation while simultaneously addressing the social and community challenges affecting the region.

Through its programming, Radio Jangwani promotes peacebuilding, education, cultural preservation, community dialogue, and spiritual reflection. Its broadcasts reach listeners across vast distances, strengthening connections among communities and reminding the people of Marsabit that their diversity becomes a strength when lived in unity and harmony.

As Radio Jangwani celebrates ten years of broadcasting, it stands as a testament to the missionary spirit of the Diocese of Marsabit demonstrating how faith, creativity, and commitment to the people can transform the challenges of distance and isolation into opportunities for connection, hope, and shared purpose.

Key Programs on Radio Jangwani

Radio Jangwani’s programming reflects the Diocese’s commitment to faith formation, cultural identity, community dialogue, and social development. Through a diverse range of shows, the station continues to engage and inspire listeners across the region.

Priests and Ministries

Faith formation remains central to the station’s mission. Priests from various parishes and institutions within the Diocese regularly participate in programs that nurture spiritual growth among listeners.

Daily broadcasts include:

• Morning reflections and spiritual guidance
• Daily Holy Mass broadcast from parishes and institutions across the Diocese
• Sunday interactive programs featuring one on one conversations with priests

These programs offer listeners an opportunity to deepen their faith and remain connected to the sacramental life of the Church even in remote areas.

Major Radio Programs

AMKIA JANGWANI

Hosts: Nyabande Orwa & Carol Waforo
Category: Morning Show
A lively morning programme that sets the tone for the day with community dialogue, current affairs discussions, and updates on issues affecting the people of Marsabit.

OSIMWERER

Host: Jimmy Irma
Category: Rendille Cultural Show
A programme dedicated to Rendille heritage, traditions, and cultural identity, preserving indigenous knowledge and celebrating community values.

LTOLIO LINO

Host: Sabalua Moses
Category: Samburu Cultural Show
A vibrant show highlighting Samburu traditions, identity, and indigenous knowledge, offering a platform for storytelling and cultural reflection.

BARIZI RELOADED

Host: Samuel Kosgei
Category: Entertainment Show
An engaging entertainment programme featuring humour, music, and real-life stories that resonate with everyday experiences of the community.

WAARI GAMACHU

Host: Abdilaziz Yusuf
Category: Borana/Gabra Cultural Show
A cultural programme celebrating Borana and Gabra heritage, traditions, and community wisdom, strengthening cultural pride and understanding.

REGGAE MANTIXX

Host: Silvio Nangori
Category: Music Show
A reggae-themed programme bringing listeners the best reggae sounds while sharing messages of unity, peace, and social awareness.

KIDS SHOW

Host: Carol Waforo
Category: Children’s Programme
A fun and educational show designed for young listeners, combining faith, learning, storytelling, and interactive activities.

BAMBIKA SATO

Host: John Bosco Nateleng
Category: Weekend Show
A dynamic weekend programme featuring topical discussions, community updates, and highlights of both local and global events.

WIMBI LA BARAKA & GHARIKA YA JUMAPILI

Host: Nyabande Orwa & John Bosco Nateleng  / Assigned Priest
Category: Spiritual Reflection Programme
A reflective faith-based programme that explores Sunday readings and offers guidance on applying the Word of God to daily life.

JANGWANI VIWANJANI

Hosts: Sabalua Moses & Samuel Kosgei
Category: Sports Show
A sports programme providing live updates, commentary, and coverage of major matches, bringing excitement to sports lovers across the region.

Signature Programmes of Radio Jangwani

Over the past ten years, Radio Jangwani has developed a rich and diverse range of programmes that reflect the culture, faith, and everyday life of the people of Marsabit. Through these broadcasts, the station has provided a platform where different communities can share their voices, stories, and experiences while informing, educating, and entertaining listeners across the region.

Through these dynamic programmes, Radio Jangwani has touched the hearts of thousands across northern Kenya, strengthening dialogue, celebrating cultural identity, and promoting unity among the many communities of the Northern Frontier.

As the station marks its 10th anniversary, Radio Jangwani stands proudly as a trusted community media platform bringing together faith, culture, information, and dialogue in service of the people, and continuing its mission of fostering peace, understanding, and hope for generations to come.