Radio remains a central part of life in Garissa County, with FM stations continuing to dominate the airwaves.
However, a quiet revolution is underway as the national government moves forward with plans to digitize radio broadcasting.
It has set the stage for a major shift in how residents access audio content.
From bustling Bajaj(s) to remote estates, FM stations in Garissa serve as essential sources of news, music, religious programming, and community dialogue. Among the most popular are Garissa Radio (100.8), Star FM (97.1), and Radio Jambo (104.3).
These stations, broadcasting in Somali, and Swahili offer programming that reflects Kenya’s cultural diversity and social dynamics.
“Radio is more than entertainment here,” said Hussein Ali, a local shopkeeper in Bula Rahma. “It’s how we stay informed.”
Garissa boasts a variety of FM broadcasters. Radio Garissa, an affiliate station to Garissa Radio and Television, is widely followed for its music and call-in shows.
Star FM, with its strong reputation across the Somali-speaking world, airs both local content and international programming through partnerships with the BBC and Voice of America.
Other notable stations include Radio 47 (100.8), Hekima FM (101.1), and Kulan Digital Radio.
“Radio is our link to both Nairobi and the diaspora,” said Farhia Noor, a teacher at a local secondary school. “It keeps us connected.”
In early 2024, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) and the Ministry of ICT announced plans to transition all radio stations from analog FM and AM frequencies to a digital broadcasting standard known as DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus).
The move, authorities said, is necessary to address frequency congestion and meet rising demand for audio content.
“The digital migration will allow more stations, better sound quality, and extra services such as song details, live traffic alerts, and news headlines,” said CAK Director-General David Mugonyi during a media briefing in Nairobi.
The rollout will occur in phases, and FM stations will continue to operate alongside digital channels for a transitional period.
Existing digital radios broadcasting from Garissa include Radio Imaan, Barkulmis Radio and Waso FM.
Listeners will need digital-capable radios as well as internet-enabled devices to access the new format.
Despite the promise of clearer sound and more choice, the digital transition raises concerns in regions like Garissa where access to internet-enabled devices remains uneven.
“Many people still rely on battery-powered FM radios,” noted Rahma Omar, a local youth leader. “If digital means we lose access, then it’s a step backward for rural communities.”
Broadcasters are also cautious, with some awaiting clearer regulatory guidance before committing to expensive upgrades.
Still, major stations like Radio Citizen and Capital FM have already begun pilot tests on digital platforms in Nairobi, a sign of things to come for the rest of the country.
Kulan Radio and Garissa Radio remain the pioneer digital broadcasters in Garissa.
For Garissa, the digital shift presents both opportunities and risks. On one hand, it promises more diverse programming and improved quality
On the other hand, it may widen the digital divide unless supported by public education campaigns and affordable technology.
Whether on the familiar crackle of an FM receiver or through sleek new digital apps, one thing is clear—radio in Garissa is here to stay, even as the airwaves themselves begin to change.
