By Betty Luke
Plans are underway to revive a community radio station in Garbatulla, Isiolo that was closed two years ago due to poor workmanship and lack of funds to sustain its operations.
Garbatulla Ranet FM, funded by UK Aid through International Institute for Environment and Devolvement (IIED) in partnership with National Drought and Management Authority (NDMA), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and the Merti Integrated Development Programme (that joined the consortium in 2018), was started in 2016 but closed down two years later.
The station disseminated information on topical issues relevant to the residents especially on climate, market and agriculture.
A steering committee with representatives from the national and county Government, Local Management Committee and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has been constituted to oversee the radio station’s revival.
MID-P Executive Director Molu Tepo said the radio closed down in July 2019 after the donor funds were depleted as could not sustain the more than 10 casual employees who had been recruited.
The organisation sought funding towards its revival to ensure that the machines worth millions do not continue gathering dust at the facility located in Garbatulla town.
“We decided to source funding to ensure the facility does not go into waste,” said Mr Tepo while announcing that the project had been listed for Sh2 million funding by the German government which will go a long way in assisting breathe life back into the station.
“The funds will be channeled after we come up with clear plan towards its reopening,” Mr Tepo told The Press Point adding that at least Sh5 million is needed to ensure the radio is back on its feet.
There are also plans to expand the current 35 Kilometers radius coverage to 100 Kilometers in effort to ensure the radio covers most parts of the county to help attract local investors.
“By attracting local advertisers, the radio will be able to sustain itself regardless of whether it gets funding or not,” he added.
Mr Abdulrahman Golicha, a resident, said reviving the local FM will ensure timely dissemination of crucial information especially on drought, hunger and livestock disease outbreak.
Stakeholders have stressed on the need for the station to employ qualified journalists to ensure professionalism in its running.
