Amplifying climate action in Kenya one radio show at a time

Climate change is reshaping Kenya’s landscapes and livelihoods, with devastating impacts already being felt across the country. From prolonged droughts to sudden floods, communities are grappling with unpredictable weather patterns that have led to reduced crop yields, rising food insecurity, and strained local resources.  

To confront this growing crisis, we are amplifying the call for climate action through a powerful medium - community radio. Implemented across Kenya, through the Sikiliza Sauti Yetu: Dunia Inaita! (Listen to Our Voice: The World is Calling!) project, the campaign harnesses the reach and influence of local radio stations to inform, engage, and mobilize citizens with timely climate information and actionable solutions.  

Broadcasted on Ghetto FM (Nairobi), Radio Kaya (Kwale), and Angaaf Radio (Isiolo), the show brings vital climate discussions directly into people’s homes and communities. Sponsored by the European Union in partnership with WeWorld, each episode features engaging conversations with county representatives, environmental experts, and grassroots voices who are all working to address climate change in their regions.  

A defining feature of the project is its deliberate emphasis on inclusive, youth-centered dialogue. The project’s overall objective is to strengthen the capacity, voice, and civic engagement of young people, with a focus on environmental protection and climate policy at both national and local levels. This youth-centered approach recognises that while Kenya’s younger generation will bear the greatest burden of climate change, they also represent a critical force for innovative and lasting solutions.  

In Kwale County, climate change has left an unmistakable mark. During the talk show, Dr. Joseph Indo - Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in  Kwale County - described the crisis as “a disaster in motion” and stressed the urgent need for grassroots responses. The discussion highlighted Kwale’s proactive climate initiatives, including new legislations, local climate committees, and adaptation projects such as water dams, drought-resistant crops, and farmer insurance schemes. “We cannot fight an enemy we don’t understand,” said John Eli, Project Officer at WeWorld, reinforcing the project's goal of making climate change understandable and relatable to citizens at every level.  

In Isiolo County, where pastoralist communities face harsh and shifting conditions, the project connects modern climate science with traditional knowledge. Broadcasted via Angaaf Radio - which reaches over 60,000 listeners - the campaign creates space for dialogue between environmental experts and community elders, who together explore topics like water security, rangeland management, and alternative livelihoods. These conversations empower communities to adapt in ways that are both sustainable and culturally rooted.  

In Nairobi County, the Sikiliza Sauti Yetu: Dunia Inaita! broadcast on Ghetto Radio brought the climate conversation home - making it relatable to everyday urban life. Manaseh Nechenje, WeWorld’s Program Coordinator, and David Kihoi Macharia, Environmental Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement Officer, broke down complex climate science into accessible language.  

Manasseh emphasised the urgency of the initiative: “We are the Earth, and we are telling polluters - whether individuals or corporations - to listen to our voice. We must stop polluting and push for pro-environment policies.”  

He highlighted how the project is not only about awareness but also about advocacy, aiming to empower communities and hold leaders accountable for environmental sustainability.  

The radio shows go beyond simply raising awareness - they drive action. Each episode ends with a clear call for listeners to reflect on their role in the climate movement.