FALSE: Photo does not show the drought situation in Embolioi, Kajiado County, in October 2022
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Ruben FM, the vibrant community radio station that has become the heartbeat of Mukuru, marks its ninth anniversary today celebrating nearly a decade of storytelling, public engagement, youth empowerment and transformative broadcasting. What began as a small idea within the walls of Ruben Centre has grown into one of Nairobi’s most respected community media platforms, shaping conversations, influencing policy discussions and giving a powerful voice to residents who are often overlooked by mainstream media.
Launched on November 19, 2016, Ruben FM began as a modest communications project anchored in the belief that information is a tool for empowerment. Its founding motto, “unganisha jamii,” embodied a vision of unity, shared knowledge and community-driven dialogue. Operating from a humble studio at Ruben Centre, the station now broadcasts across a 2.5-kilometre radius, reaching Mukuru kwa Ruben, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Kware, Viwandani, Pipeline, Imara Daima and Mukuru Kayaba an area home to roughly 700,000 residents navigating life within one of Kenya’s most densely populated informal settlements.
According to Brother Frank, Director at Ruben Centre, the idea for Ruben FM took root after a visit by Australian donors to Korogocho. One philanthropist’s daughter was particularly struck by the impact of a community radio station there and urged that Mukuru needed an equivalent platform. Inspired, Brother Frank assigned Tom Everett, a volunteer, to conduct research and create a blueprint for what would later become Ruben FM. With early support from Planet wheeler, and after nearly 18 months of persistence to secure a broadcast license, the frequency finally came alive ushering in a new era for local communication.
Over the years, Ruben FM has evolved into a training hub for emerging journalists, a trusted news source and a pillar of community engagement. Dozens of interns have passed through its newsroom many now working in top Kenyan stations such as Radio Citizen, NTV, KBC, Radio Maisha, radio 47 and others. Some graduates have joined international news agencies, proving that world-class journalism can grow from grassroots platforms. The station’s newsroom culture hands-on reporting, mentorship, and community-first storytelling has become a signature strength.
Yet the soul of Ruben FM lies in its connection with Mukuru’s residents. Through call-ins, SMS polls, street vox pops, live location broadcasts, investigative segments and door-to-door community feedback, the station captures the pulse of local life. It is a space where listeners shape discussions, challenge leaders, express concerns and celebrate victories. One of the station’s most memorable moments came when former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined a live broadcast to directly address residents an unexpected national spotlight for a community radio with a deeply local focus.
The station’s impact has been recognized repeatedly. Ruben FM was honored as Media House of the Year (2023) by the Kenya Red Cross for its exceptional humanitarian reporting. Previously, it won Best Gospel Show at the 2018 X-treem Awards. Its reporters have earned prestigious national awards in investigative journalism, disability inclusion reporting, children’s features, sports storytelling, and community-focused radio narratives. These achievements highlight a newsroom driven not by commercial interests, but by purpose, creativity, and the lived realities of Mukuru.
Under former station manager Thomas Odhiambo, the relationship between Ruben FM and its listeners deepened further. He oversaw the creation of a fan club initially a casual circle of loyal followers which has since transformed into a fully registered Community-Based Organization (CBO). Today, this group supports members during emergencies, bereavements, charity activities and community mobilization efforts. The evolution of the fan club into a welfare organization demonstrates how far the station’s influence extends beyond the airwaves.
Ruben FM’s flagship programs continue to anchor its identity.
• Governance and accountability shows hold duty bearers to task on issues like water, sanitation, road infrastructure, health, security and education.
• Youth empowerment programs offer mentorship, highlight talent, and tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, unemployment and mental health.
• Women-focused programs address reproductive health, rights awareness, entrepreneurship and safety in the digital age.
• Children’s shows amplify the voices of young people through storytelling, school features, debates and creative segments.
Each program is intentionally designed not just to inform but to shift mindsets and inspire action within households and neighbourhoods.
The station’s reach continues to grow. According to the latest report by the Kenya Audience Research Foundation (KARF), Ruben FM attracted an average of 438,000 listeners in the past year more than half the population within its coverage. This impressive milestone points to high trust, relevant content and deep community engagement. The number is expected to rise as the station expands its digital footprint through YouTube, TikTok, livestreaming and social media interactions.
However, the journey is not without challenges. Being a community station, Ruben FM faces financial constraints, aging broadcast equipment, limited staff capacity and urgent need for digital modernization. Management has responded with strategic adjustments strengthening internal systems, revising programming, seeking new partnerships, modernizing training approaches, and exploring revenue models that do not compromise editorial independence. The future vision includes stronger multimedia reporting, upgraded studio technology, expanded civic education, and broader youth inclusion.
As part of its ninth anniversary, Ruben FM will host an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to bring together journalists and devoted fans. The event will celebrate loyal listeners who consistently shape on-air conversations through calls, comments, social media contributions and participation in field activities. This celebration embodies Ruben FM’s philosophy: the community is not just an audience it is the heartbeat of the station.
Nine years after its first transmission, Ruben FM stands tall as a symbol of resilience, innovation and community spirit. A casual suggestion in Korogocho has grown into a powerful grassroots media institution one that amplifies marginalized voices, nurtures journalistic talent, shapes public opinion and strengthens the social fabric of Mukuru. As the station steps into its next chapter, its mission remains unwavering:
to connect, inform and empower the community it proudly calls home.
Report By Arayan Dahir
