Kenya, a country of 42 different ethnic groups has over 100 radios. The country’s media world is dynamic and is among the fastest growing in Africa. What we know is that the most impactful radio and TV stations in Kenya are owned by highly impactful politicians. Here are the top politicians who own and control radio and TV stations in Kenya.
Uhuru Kenyatta and the Kenyatta Family
Media Max LTD is a series of TV and radio stations. The company owns top broadcasting brands including Meru FM, Kameme FM, Emoo FM, People Daily Newspaper, K24 TV, Mayian FM, and Milele FM. If you didn’t know, Media Max Company belongs to the family of Jomo Kenyatta, which is the family of Kenya’s former presidents, Jomo Kenyatta, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
S.K Macharia
S.K Macharia is one of the Kenya’s most notable multibillionaires. Although not actively involved in politics, Macharia has historically demonstrated interest in the country’s political matters. His role in funding Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign nearly bore fruits.
However, the political influences of Macharia are not limited to such financial roles. He is the founder and owner of Kenya’s largest private TV and radio station, Royal Media Services, which he has been accused of using to influence the wave of politics in the country.
Royal Media has many flagship outlets including Radio Citizen and Inooro TV. S.K Macharia’s company also owns and controls 14 other radio stations, including Ramogi FM and Citizen FM.
Raila Odinga and the Odinga Family
It is not possible to talk about the top politicians who own and control radio and TV stations in Kenya without mentioning Raila Odinga and the Odinga family. The politician, who has been the longest-serving opposing leader in Kenya, is linked to Radio Nam Lolwe and Nam Lolwe TV Network. Both media houses broadcast in Luo vernacular.
Charity Ngilu
The Kitui governor, Charity Ngilu is an influential woman leader in Kenya. She is said to own two radio stations, Mbaitu FM and Syokimau FM.
Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir
The former Mvita MP, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, is rumored to be the proud owner of Radio Rahma.
Kawira Mwangaza
Kawira Mwangaza is a former women’s rep for Meru County. She is reportedly the owner of Baite TV.
John Mututho
Mututho is the former chairperson of NACADA. He owns Mururi FM.
Chirau Ali Makwere
Ali Makwere, the former minister for Foreign Affairs. He also served as the chairperson of Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party and the immediate High Commissioner to Tanzania. Makwere is the owner of Kaya FM.
Kiprono Kittony
Patrick Quarcoo’s founded Radio Africa Group is a dynamic and rapidly growing media firm in Kenya. It owns and controls one TV station and 6 radio stations. Radio Africa Group’s brands include Kiss TV, the Star Newspaper, East FM, X FM, Radio Jambo, Smooth FM, Classic 105, and Kiss 100.
Zipporah Kittony’s son, Kiprono Kittony, claims co-ownership of the Radio Africa Group. Kiprono Kittony is the chairperson of Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Maria Mbeneka
Maria Mbeneka is a former first lady of Laikipia County. She is a business lady and the millionaire behind the Ghetto Radio Foundation and the owner of Ghetto Radio.
Purity Ngirici
The former Kirinyaga woman rep, Purity Ngirici, is among the top politicians who own and control radio and TV stations in Kenya. According to sources, Ngirici is the proud owner of Iganjo FM and Mt. Kenya TV.
Gideon Moi and the Moi Family
The Moi family co-owns the Standard Media Group. The group controls many radio and TV stations in Kenya. Among Standard Media Group’s brands are Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez Radio, The Standard Newspaper, and KTN.
That’s it! You now know the top politicians who own and control radio and TV stations in Kenya.
You know others that we’ve left out of our list above, feel free to contribute to this article from the comment section below.
