Morris Gituku

<h2>Sulwe FM 89.6 Kenya - Premier Bukusu Vernacular Radio Station &amp; Cultural Hub</h2>
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<th>Detail</th>
<th>Information</th>
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<td>Genre</td>
<td>African Music, Cultural Programming, News/Talk</td>
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<td>Broadcast Frequency</td>
<td>89.6 FM (Kakamega, Nairobi)</td>
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<td>Coverage Region</td>
<td>Western Kenya, North Rift, Eastern Uganda</td>
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<td>Languages</td>
<td>Bukusu (primary), Swahili, English</td>
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<td>Ownership</td>
<td>Royal Media Services</td>
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<td>Founded</td>
<td>2008</td>
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<td>Contact Information</td>
<td>Phone: +254 734 606 609<br>Email: citizen@royalmedia.co.ke<br>Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sulwefm.co.ke/">sulwefm.co.ke</a></td>
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<td>Studio Address</td>
<td>Royal Media Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya</td>
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<td>Social Media</td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SulweFM1/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SulweFM">X/Twitter</a></td>
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<h2>Station History &amp; Background</h2>
<p>Sulwe FM was established in 2008 under Royal Media Services, Kenya's largest private media conglomerate, as part of a strategic expansion into vernacular broadcasting. Named after the Bukusu term for the "brightest morning star," the station aimed to serve the Luhya community, particularly the Bukusu sub-group, by providing culturally relevant content. Its founding aligned with Royal Media's vision to decentralize media access and empower rural audiences through localized programming.</p>
<p>Over 15 years, Sulwe FM has grown into a regional powerhouse, leveraging FM, digital streaming, and social media to reach Bukusu-speaking populations in Western Kenya, the North Rift, and Eastern Uganda. Milestones include adopting visual radio technology (2015), launching online streaming (2018), and celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023 with county-wide fan engagements. The station ranks among Kenya's top vernacular broadcasters, competing closely with Ramogi FM and Mulembe FM. Culturally, Sulwe FM preserves Bukusu traditions through folklore segments, vernacular music, and agricultural advisory programs, while also addressing contemporary issues like governance and education.</p>
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<h2>Notable Personalities</h2>
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<p><strong>Samuel Kisondio</strong></p>
<p><em>Station Head</em>: Rose from community-supported education to lead Sulwe FM. Advocates for grassroots journalism to address local issues.</p>
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<p><strong>Alice Muwanga (Ellen Wanga)</strong></p>
<p><em>Presenter</em>: Former security guard turned multimedia personality; hosts inspirational segments blending faith and social empowerment.</p>
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<p>Sulwe FM stands as Kenya's definitive Bukusu-language broadcaster, merging cultural preservation with modern media innovation. Its programming strengthens Luhya identity while fostering civic engagement through political debates (e.g., 2025 Gachagua interview) and agricultural outreach. As Royal Media digitizes its platforms, Sulwe FM is poised to expand its diaspora audience via apps like Viusasa, ensuring the Bukusu voice remains vibrant in Kenya's evolving media landscape.</p>
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Kenya

Tune into Sulwe FM for authentic Bukusu cultural programming, news, and music. Listen live to Kenya's leading vernacular station celebrating Luhya traditions.

Sulwe FM

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