CELEBRATION OF WORLD RADIO DAY 2026
The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Katiba Institute, and Internews commemorated the World Radio Day celebration at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was held on 13th February 2026 under the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: Innovation that Empowers, Ethics that Endures.”
The Ag. Secretary General of KNATCOM, Dr. James Gichia Njogu, represented by Ms. Mukami Wincate, who delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of the Commission. In the SG’s remarks, he stated:
“This year’s World Radio Day challenges us not only to celebrate radio, but to reflect critically on how innovation will shape trust, democracy, and social cohesion in the years ahead. The theme, ‘Radio and Artificial Intelligence: Innovation that Empowers, Ethics that Inspire, Trust that Endures,’ speaks directly to the era we are in.
The
Ag. Secretary General of KNATCOM, Dr. James Gichiah Njogu, represented by Ms.
Mukami Wincate, who delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of the Commission.
In the SG’s remarks, he stated:
“This
year’s World Radio Day challenges us not only to celebrate radio, but to
reflect critically on how innovation will shape trust, democracy, and social
cohesion in the years ahead. The theme, ‘Radio and Artificial Intelligence:
Innovation that Empowers, Ethics that Inspire, Trust that Endures,’ speaks
directly to the era we are in.
Artificial
Intelligence is increasingly shaping how radio content is produced,
distributed, and consumed. AI offers opportunities to enhance efficiency,
expand reach, and improve audience engagement. Used responsibly, these tools
can strengthen radio’s ability to serve the public interest.”
He
further emphasized that UNESCO’s normative frameworks, including the Recommendation
on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, stress that technological
innovation must respect human rights, promote transparency, and remain
accountable to the public. In the media sector, this means ensuring that AI
systems do not replace editorial responsibility, undermine professional standards,
or marginalize vulnerable communities. Instead, AI should serve as a tool that
supports journalists, strengthens information integrity, and reinforces public
trust, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections.
He
reaffirmed that KNATCOM will continue collaborating with partners to strengthen
radio and uphold ethical media practices in Kenya. This includes building the
capacity of journalists and broadcasters, supporting multilingual and inclusive
programming, and advancing initiatives that promote Media and Information
Literacy.
Ms.
Zubeida Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, was also present during
the celebration. Reflecting on her experience working at Radio Maisha, she
noted:
“As
we mark World Radio Day 2026, we gather at a defining moment for broadcasting
in Kenya. This year’s theme, ‘Radio and Artificial Intelligence,’ is not
abstract; it is immediate and already reshaping our newsrooms, studios, and
professional conversations.
For
decades, radio has been Kenya’s most accessible and trusted medium. It reaches
where fiber optic cables do not. It speaks where media literacy is not
guaranteed. It informs where internet connectivity is unreliable. From Turkana
to Kisumu, from Kilifi to Nairobi, radio remains the heartbeat of Kenyan public
discourse. It informs, it educates, it mobilizes, and in times of crisis, it
stabilizes.”
She
added that media houses across Kenya are already using AI tools to transcribe
interviews, summarize reports, translate bulletins, and digitize archives. In a
country with more than sixty languages, the possibilities are significant. AI could
help expand multilingual broadcasting, improve efficiency, and preserve Kenya’s
rich audio history.
The
Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya Mr. David Omwoyo Omwoyo, MBS
emphasized the critical role of radio in broadcasting weather or traffic
updates and entertainment programs from stations such as Classic 105. He noted
that the unique feature of radio is its ability to be consumed while people go
about their daily activities. Unlike television or newspapers, which require
full attention, radio allows audiences to remain informed while working,
traveling, or engaging in other tasks.
Reflecting
on Artificial Intelligence, he stated:
“Artificial
Intelligence represents advanced intelligence which is the ability to use
technology to enhance delivery. For example, AI schedules announcements, alerts
broadcasters to advertisements that are due, and flags breaking news. That
integration of AI is what we celebrate. However, ethics must guide this
process. AI should not be used to clone voices without attribution or to
perpetuate misinformation and disinformation.”
He
further noted that in 1946 World Radio Day was first commemorated by the United
Nations in recognition of the critical role radio played during the Second
World War, providing weather forecasts and vital information on food
distribution, safety, and medical assistance. Today, radio continues to serve
the same purpose, especially during disasters such as cyclones and other
emergencies, where it remains a key channel of communication.
As
the celebrations concluded, it was announced that the next major media event,
World Press Freedom Day, whose main theme is “Shaping a Future at Peace”
will be held in Mombasa on 5th May.
