For more than a century, Tana River County in eastern Kenya has faced recurring clashes, mainly between the Orma pastoralists and the Pokomo farming communities. Their long-standing disputes over grazing areas, fertile riverbanks, and access to the Tana River have often escalated into violence. In recent decades, these tensions have grown sharper due to increased poverty, competition for dwindling natural resources, and the flow of illegal arms from across the Somalia border. With extremist groups trying to take advantage of local frustrations, the region has periodically edged toward instability, placing families, livelihoods, and development at risk.
In response to this troubled history, a fresh initiative is emerging from the county headquarters in Hola. Tana FM, supported with equipment and training from HCR UK, has begun test broadcasts while awaiting formal licensing. The station aims to become a trusted platform for peace messaging, reliable information, and community dialogue. Early supporters—including former MP and anti-FGM advocate Jebii Kilimo—believe the radio station will reach audiences often left out of national communication efforts. These listeners, especially in remote villages, are most vulnerable to misinformation and rumours that can inflame tensions. By offering clear, credible communication, Tana FM hopes to build understanding between communities that have lived side-by-side yet frequently fallen into conflict.
Local partners are equally optimistic. Kenya Sustainable Health Aid (KESHA) CEO Shedrack Hiribae, who first envisioned the station, sees it as a long-needed bridge between divided groups. He argues that consistent, objective information can counter fear and give communities a sense of ownership in peacebuilding. As modern weapons continue to replace the traditional tools once used in disputes, the consequences of conflict have become far more severe. In this environment, Tana FM represents more than a radio station—it is a timely tool for peace, development, and positive social change in a region that urgently needs stability.