Journalists, station managers, and presenters from Radio Angaf and Radio Shahidi in Isiolo have completed a media viability training program organized by the Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET).

The training is aimed at strengthening the sustainability of community radio by equipping participants with strategies to improve financial independence, audience engagement, and operational efficiency.

It also focused on enhancing content quality and identifying new revenue generation opportunities for community radios which are often faced by significant financial challenges.

Doreen Mwasi project officer at KCOMNET said the organization is currently working with over 40 community radio stations across Kenya to support grassroots media outlets facing a range of operational challenges.

Mwasi Explained that media practitioners working in community radio stations are considered especially vital due to their ability to address local issues and reflect the voices of the people they serve, since they live in the same spaces as their audiences and are faced by common challenges.

For the past month, the media teams from both stations participated in a Community Learning Program (CLP), which brought together radio practitioners and local community members to collaborate and share knowledge.

As part of the program, community members were involved in producing radio content, allowing them to understand how media production works while actively contributing to it. This process also helped journalists learn how to produce content that better reflects community priorities, particularly in peacebuilding and conflict resolution which are key issues in Isiolo county.

The training also introduced methods for improving the financial sustainability of the stations.

Mwasi emphasized that many communities radio stations risk closure due to overdependence on donor support and NGO-sponsored advertisements. With shrinking donor funds, there is a pressing need for stations to adopt alternative revenue strategies.

The strategies she said include developing formal business plans, applying for grants, and leveraging digital platforms such as audio-visual programming for income generation.

Media viability trainer and university lecturer Emukule Emojong who conducted the training guided participants on how to identify market gaps and adopt community-centered approaches in both content production and decision-making.

The training underscored the need for inclusive planning across financial, social, and political spheres to support long-term sustainability of community radio organizations.

Participants described the training as enlightening and timely with the station managers from both Radio Angaf and Radio Shahidi expressing their commitment to implementing the strategies they learned particularly those that focus on strengthening community relationships and creating new income streams.

Juma Jirma the Angaf radio station manager thanked KCOMNET for the many strategies taught on the different approaches of working with the communities as well as sustaining the operation of the radio, by managing existing partnership and creating new income streams.

Jirma said Angaf radio does heavily rely on its relationship with the community and learning on ways to improve that relationship could not come at a better time.

Jackline Mungathia a station manager at Radio Shahidi said that she was looking forward to increased relations with the community in the (CLP) that she explained would be a great addition for the way the station has been working.

They both agreed to the potential of the Community Learning Program to enhance collaboration between media practitioners and the public.

Orwa Ojonde one of the presenters from Radio Shahidi reflected on the skills gained, noting a shift in approach toward more community-focused reporting, especially on sensitive issues such as peace and security.

The next phase of the initiative will involve the development of clear action plans and business models to ensure the financial stability and enhanced community centered service approaches from two stations.