Morris Gituku

<h2>Kameme FM 101.1: Kenya's Pioneer Vernacular Radio Station &amp; Cultural Hub</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Detail</th>
<th>Information</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Genre</td>
<td>News, Talk, Sports, Kikuyu Music</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcast Frequency</td>
<td>101.1 FM (Nairobi), 106.7 FM (Meru), 101.9 FM (Eldoret), 99.3&ndash;101.3 FM (Nakuru), 92.3 FM (Nyeri)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coverage Region</td>
<td>Nairobi, Central Kenya, Rift Valley, Coast, and nationwide via digital platforms</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Languages</td>
<td>Primarily Kikuyu (Gĩkũyũ), with occasional Swahili and English segments</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ownership</td>
<td>Mediamax Network Limited (under TV Africa Holdings since 2009)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Founded</td>
<td>2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Contact Information</td>
<td>Phone: +254 217963, +254 312110<br>Email: info@kamemefm.com<br>Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/">mediamaxnetwork.co.ke</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Studio Address</td>
<td>Kijabe Street, Longonot Place, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 49640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Social Media</td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kameme101/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kamemefm">X/Twitter</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2>Station History &amp; Background</h2>
<p>Kameme FM, Kenya's first Kikuyu-language radio station, was launched in 2000 by media entrepreneurs Rose Kimotho and Simon Gikandi. Recognizing the untapped potential of vernacular broadcasting, they aimed to deliver high-quality programming tailored to the Kikuyu-speaking population while preserving cultural identity. The station quickly became a household name, expanding its reach beyond Nairobi to Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and coastal regions through strategic frequency acquisitions.</p>
<p>A pivotal moment came in 2009 when Kameme FM and its sister station K24 TV were sold to TV Africa Holdings, a company linked to the Kenyatta family, amid financial challenges. Despite ownership changes, Kameme FM retained its cultural relevance, pioneering vernacular content that blended traditional music, socio-political discourse, and community-driven programming. Today, it ranks among Kenya's top radio stations, with a listenership of over 5 million and a reputation for amplifying grassroots voices.</p>
<p>Culturally, Kameme FM has redefined media access for non-English/Swahili speakers, fostering pride in the Kikuyu language and traditions. Its programming often bridges urban-rural divides, addressing issues like agriculture, family reconciliation, and governance in a locally resonant format.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Programming Highlights</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Show Name</th>
<th>Schedule</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Friday Nights Mugithi</strong></td>
<td>Fridays, 8&ndash;10 PM</td>
<td>Celebrates mugithi (Kikuyu folk music) with live performances and dedications.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Kameme FM Humuka</strong></td>
<td>Weekdays, 6&ndash;10 AM</td>
<td>Morning show blending news, comedy, and listener interactions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Thingira</strong></td>
<td>Daily, 7&ndash;9 PM</td>
<td>Evening program discussing cultural practices, history, and community issues.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Mawatchmen Ma Kameme</strong></td>
<td>Weekdays, 3&ndash;5 PM</td>
<td>Investigative journalism focusing on governance and public accountability.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2>Notable Personalities</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Gatonye Wa Mbugua</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Background:</strong>&nbsp;Veteran journalist and socio-political commentator.</li>
<li><strong>Contribution:</strong>&nbsp;Hosts&nbsp;<em>Mawatchmen Ma Kameme</em>, known for interviewing high-profile leaders, including President Uhuru Kenyatta.</li>
<li><strong>Recognition:</strong>&nbsp;Voted "Best Vernacular Presenter" at the 2017 Kenyan Radio Awards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Benson Gathungu (Muthee Kiengei)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Background:</strong>&nbsp;Comedian and host turned influential media personality.</li>
<li><strong>Contribution:</strong>&nbsp;Drives&nbsp;<em>Kameme FM Humuka</em>'s humor-infused morning segments, blending satire with civic education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Man Nyari</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Background:</strong>&nbsp;Christian broadcaster and family reconciliation advocate.</li>
<li><strong>Contribution:</strong>&nbsp;Hosts&nbsp;<em>Njajo ya Muturire</em>, a show reuniting estranged families, earning a loyal rural audience.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kameme FM&rsquo;s enduring success lies in its ability to balance cultural preservation with modern media innovation. As Kenya&rsquo;s pioneer vernacular station, it has democratized information access for Kikuyu speakers while setting standards for ethnic-language broadcasting. Its blend of music, investigative journalism, and community-focused programming continues to shape national discourse. With plans to enhance digital streaming and expand partnerships, Kameme FM remains a vital voice in Kenya&rsquo;s evolving media landscape.</p>

Kenya

Tune into Kameme FM 101.1, Kenya’s leading Kikuyu-language radio station, for news, music, and cultural programs. Listen live to this iconic broadcaster shaping Kenya’s media landscape since 2000.

Kameme FM

Comments

Top Radio Stations