As competition intensifies in the higher education sector, universities are expanding their facilities and courses to attract students and churn out quality graduates. With a liberalized communication industry, it has now become easier for universities to open and operate radio stations. The stations, most of which are operated by students, have become an avenue for students to gain practical industry experience. We look at three campus stations. Vote for your favorite station at the end of the profiles.
Kenyatta University Radio
KU Radio is managed by a directorate – The Radio and TV Services Directorate but students are in charge of the day to day activities of the station. Around twenty people work for the radio, staff and presenters. The Radio has a frequency of 5km Radius around the Kenyatta University with overspills in areas like Esthleigh and Embakasi.
Currently the most popular show on the KU Radio is the Campus Icon which runs from 1.00 am. The show is hosted by Amos Njeru alongside Victor Mateso Tupu and features celebrities and influential personalities who have a positive impact to the young people in Kenyan Campuses.
Other popular shows include Carribean Mash Up, KU Fm Drive And Staftahi. Other presenters include Donald Openda, Labaab Shabaan, Victor Franks, June Claire, Marvin Ibrahim and Tracie Kibue.
Some highlights and notable projects of KU FM includes; corporate brand activations, nurturing and managing talent and charity drives.
Shine FM
Shine FM is Daystar’s University Student radio station. It was launched in 2003 and run entirely by students from Daystar University. Its main aim is to provide a platform for communication students to sharpen their skills in programming, production and news delivery and has a vision of being the most popular gospel radio station in the region.
In addition to broadcasting to Daystar students, ShineFM 103.1 reaches these areas; Athi-river, Kitengela, Mlolongo, parts of Ngong, Kiserian, Kangemi, Machakos and Utawala.
Shine FM is managed by the Station Manager with an able team of managers including Assistant Station Manager, Production Manager, Programming Manager, News Manager and Corporate Communications Manager.
Some of the shows that have a very high feedback rate include; Rave Up ‘Mzuka Edition’ that is aired on Friday from 7-11 p.m, hosted by Hassan Umar (a.k.a Unko Vuvuzela) and Fridah Mwaka (a.k.a Kichuna cha Mwaka), Enkishon E Maa – a Maasai show – due to the large Maasai population in the environs, this show has a large following. It is aired on Thursday from 1-3 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 p.m. Jah Moment is a reggae show that is aired on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. It is hosted by Shem Wanyama a.k.a Ras Jahcto.
Shine FM recently started live streaming on 27th July. The link to the online feed is www.daystar.ac.ke/shine/live-stream
USIU Radio
USIU Radio is a campus community radio station created in 2010 with the main aim of growing and grooming USIU journalism students. USIU Radio 99.9FM runs from 8am to 9pm and covers the Kasarani – Roysambu area in Nairobi. The station lives and thrives on the mantra; Listen, Love & Share.
The station is known for its urban and trendy approach in its shows. Some of the popular shows include; The Heat which recently won an award at the annual USIU-A campus awards for the best USIU Radio Show, hosted by Neville (@Neville_Ke) and Stan (@Lunaticstan), A big tune hosted by Melissa, Coco and award winning Vj Nixx. A show previously hosted by Dj Kafi, Max & Frankie, Real Talk, hosted by Maria Katiti and finally Morning Madness hosted by Steve Wachira and Dj Andy Young.
USIU radio management consists of seven undergraduate students, a radio technician and our esteemed Radio Patron, Madam Robi Koki. The students make day to day decisions and are ultimately the vision bearer of the direction the station will follow.
The station has hosted local artists such as Prezzo, Moustapha, Taio Tripper and DJ Joe Mfalme, hosting renowned artists such as Dancehall stars Demarco, Randy & Gussy of Silver Star entertainment and Tifa. USIU Radio has also hosted cabinet secretary Fred Matiangi and assisted in BBC’s Newsday in Nairobi during President Obama’s visit.
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