Regulatory Framework of Community Radios in Kenya in Reference to the Development Agenda of Slum Areas

Abstract

This study sought to scrutinize the regulatory environment of community radios in Kenya with specific reference to the development agenda of slum areas. The study specifically focused on Pamoja FM that serves Kibera slums in Nairobi. This case study utilised a descriptive design using qualitative approaches. The study utilised interviews, observations, and review of documents as the strategies of collecting data. Data was collected from a census sample of five newsroom staff and thirty regular listeners of Pamoja FM together with key informants who were interviewed and also participated in focus group discussions to provide information on the regulatory framework of community radios in Kenya in reference to the development agenda of slum areas. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in narrative form and direct quotations. This study established that regulatory restrictions greatly limit the income of community radio stations, thus hindering them from effectively carrying out their mandate. It emerged that community radios really try to effectively deliver information and knowledge about development to members of their communities despite the strict regulatory restrictions. The study recommends that the government should make the regulatory framework and environment friendlier for community radios and that community radios should find sustainability mechanisms to help them promote the development agenda of the communities they serve.