Programme Content of Mang’elete FM Community Radio as a Stimulus for Economic Development in Rural Kenya: A Case Study of Mang’elete FM in Makueni County

Abstract

Community radio plays a significant role in promoting grassroots participation and economic empowerment in rural areas where mainstream media often overlook local socioeconomic concerns. This study examined the programme content of Mang’elete FM and its contribution to economic development in Makueni County, Kenya. Guided by Media Dependency Theory, the study explored how residents depend on community radio for information, orientation, and practical knowledge that influence economic decision-making. A mixed-methods case study design was adopted involving 274 respondents comprising 267 listeners and 7 key informants drawn from Makueni County’s seven sub-counties. Data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that Mang’elete FM broadcasts predominantly in the Kamba language, enhancing accessibility and audience engagement. The station’s programmes on agriculture, microfinance, health, and market access contributed to improved farming practices, participation in savings groups, increased household income, and enhanced government responsiveness to community concerns. The study concludes that vernacular and context-specific community radio programming can stimulate sustainable economic development in rural communities. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to strengthen rural economic empowerment through community media.