Kenya’s Radio Revolution: The Battle for Audio-Visual Dominance

A quiet revolution is transforming the airwaves in Kenya's vibrant media landscape. What began as traditional radio broadcasting has evolved into a high-stakes competition where sound meets vision, and stations are racing to redefine what it means to be a modern broadcaster.

At the forefront of this shift is Radio 47, which made history in 2023 as Kenya’s first national Kiswahili station to fully embrace audiovisual (AV) broadcasting. This bold move not only set a new standard but also forced the entire industry to adapt.

The audio-visual advantage

The rise of visual radio isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s a strategic response to changing audience habits. Research shows that multi-sensory content, where listeners can both hear and see their favourite presenters, drives deeper engagement. Stations that stream live video on platforms like YouTube and Facebook report higher interaction rates, with fans commenting, sharing clips, and forming stronger connections with hosts.

This shift opens new opportunities for advertisers. Visual radio allows product placements, branded backdrops, and sponsored segments beyond traditional spot ads. Some stations have even introduced premium behind-the-scenes content for subscribers, creating additional revenue streams.

The contenders

1. Radio 47

Radio 47 didn’t just enter the audiovisual space; it redefined it. After launching Kenya’s first full-scale AV studio in 2023, the station doubled down in March 2025 with a state-of-the-art broadcast hub featuring 4K cameras, augmented reality graphics, and cinematic lighting. The result is a polished, immersive experience that distinguishes it from competitors.

2. Radio Citizen

As Kenya’s biggest station, Radio Citizen quickly adopted video streaming, capitalising on its loyal listener base. While its production quality may not match Radio 47’s cutting-edge setup, its strength lies in content and accessibility, with live streams regularly drawing thousands of concurrent viewers.. Hot96, under the same ownership as Radio Citizen, was also not left behind in giving its uptown and mostly urban audience an audiovisual experience.

3. Radio Maisha

After moving into the former Vybez Radio studios, Radio Maisha has been refining its audio-visual approach. The station has invested in new equipment and set designs, though some observers note it is still finding its footing in the visual radio space.

4. Radio Jambo

Known for its lively talk shows, Radio Jambo has gradually integrated cameras into its broadcasts. While its streams may lack the polish of industry leaders, the station has shown a willingness to experiment with live caller interactions and on-screen graphics.

Beyond the major players already leading this transition, several other local stations have quietly entered the AV space. Classic 105 and Kiss 100, both under Radio Africa Group, now stream their popular morning shows with full video production. While not as advanced as Radio 47's cutting-edge studio, their setups deliver professional-quality streams that complement their strong on-air brands.

In the vernacular space, Kameme FM and Inooro FM have implemented basic AV setups, primarily focusing on live-streaming their most popular talk shows. Their approach reflects a more cautious adoption, prioritising content over flashy production values.

Meanwhile, NRG Radio, targeting younger audiences, has aggressively embraced AV technology, using dynamic camera angles and social media integration to boost its urban appeal.

Christian stations haven't been left behind either. Hope FM and Family Radio now offer video streams of their worship sessions and talk programs, catering to their faithful listeners who want a more immersive experience.

While Radio 47 remains the undisputed leader in studio technology and production quality, this widespread adoption of AV capabilities across Kenya's radio industry signals a fundamental change in broadcasting.

Stations recognise that today's audiences want more than just audio - they want to see their favourite presenters, witness studio interactions, and engage through multiple platforms.

As internet pen*tration grows and data costs decrease, this audiovisual trend will likely accelerate, potentially reshaping Kenya's entire media landscape in the coming years. The question isn't whether stations should adopt AV technology, but how quickly they can do it effectively to remain competitive.

The actual test of audio-visual excellence among radio stations plays out on social media, where the quality of photos, videos, and graphics tells the story. Whether it’s Radio 47, Radio Citizen, Radio Milele, or Radio Jambo, the battle for digital dominance is visual.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke