Samuel Kamau Macharia, popularly known as SK Macharia, is a renowned Kenyan businessman and founder of Royal Media Services.
He established the company after selling his company, a tissue manufacturing company, Madhupaper, in 1989 for Ksh 250 million.
Royal Media Services’ flagship stations were Citizen TV and Radio Citizen before he branched out to include vernacular stations, a move that proved to work.
In this article, WoK looks at all radio stations owned by the billionaire under his company also known as RMS.
Ramogi FM
Ramogi FM is Kenya’s leading dholuo FM radio station and the first audio-visual radio station in East and Central Africa.
It has a nearly nationwide footprint on terrestrial transmission, online reach and the latest audio-visual digital transmission technology, VIUSASA.
The station’s tagline, Kar Chuny Jaluo, literally translates to “the desires of the luo,” implying that the station is aimed to fully satisfy the Luos’ profound aspirations.
Inooro FM
Inooro FM is Kenya’s largest vernacular radio station in terms of listener attraction and audience measurement.
According to a study by Synovate KARF, Inooro FM maintains its lead in central Kenya.
Its presentation is content-driven, pleasant and entertaining while remaining disciplined and professional making it the go-to station for farming, agribusiness and innovation.
Inooro FM specialises on 98% pure Kikuyu music and 2% African and international hits.
Musyi FM
Musyi FM, which began broadcasting on July 25th, 2005, is the dominant Kamba language station in Nairobi and the Greater Lower Eastern Kenya region.
Musyi means “arrow aiming to shoot with a bow,” hence it disseminates information quickly and protects the Akamba people from exploitation by providing them with relevant information/knowledge on how to succeed/prevail in their endeavours.
Musyi also means “home”.
The station has presence in Nairobi and Machakos, as well as Kitui, Makueni, Mombasa, Murang’a, Loitoktok, Taveta, Kilifi and Shimba Hills (Kwale County).
Chamgei FM
Chamgei FM is a Kalenjin radio station that broadcasts to the nine Kalenjin sub-tribes, the Kipsigis, Nandi, Keiyo, Tugen, Sengwer, Marakwet, Sabaot, Terik and Pokot.
These subtribes are one of Kenya’s largest and most economically prosperous populations.
The station’s name was formed from the Kalenjin term Chamgei, which translates to “how are you” and has linked together the Kalenjin people as a global community.
The station’s motto to signify “the heart of Kalenjin” Chamgei FM recognises the rich Kalenjin culture, which is reflected in their programming.
The station also airs educational and informative programmes interspersed with popular Kalenjin music.
Muuga FM
Muuga broadcasts in Kimeru and is based on the strong and conservative Kimeru culture.
The station features experienced presenters and broadcasters that connect with and understand their target audience’s lifestyle and values.
Muuga FM’s programming includes superb entertainment, instructive features, news, sports and interactive conversation shows.
Egesa FM
Egesa FM is the leading Gusii radio station in Kenya and the Greater Gusii Region, broadcasting in Ekegusii 24 hours a day.
According to the most recent Synovate study, the station is the number one radio station in the South Nyanza region.
The programmes are based on the identity of the Abagusii people, with a twist of some modern fusion to attract the modern and up-market audience who wish to be identified with the culture.
Mulembe FM
Mulembe FM is the number one Luhya station, reaching out to the 17 sub-tribes of the Luhya population as well as anyone interested in the Luhya lifestyle.
Mulembe, a Luhya word, signifies peace. And our slogan is ‘Omwoyo kwa Baluhya,’ which translates as the heartbeat of Luhya.
Wimwaro FM
Wimwaro FM transmits in Embu and surrounding areas. The Embu people are well-known for their love of agriculture, dairy farming, beekeeping and athletics.
Wimwaro FM provides numerous parts that assure all the Embu-speaking people have a reason to listen to the station.
Features, programmes, and adverts are also tailored to the listner’s preferences while reaching out to the Embu individual.
Sulwe FM
Sulwe FM broadcasts in the Bukusu dialect.
The name Sulwe refers to the brightest morning star that appears at dawn.
Sulwe FM is the only Bukusu station in terms of frequency, radio apps and online presence.
The station’s presentation is conversational, entertaining, structured and professional. Sulwe FM conveys the Bukusu culture vibe through music and programming in a current and professional manner.
Vuuka FM
Vuuka FM is the only Maragoli station in terms of frequency, radio apps, and online presence.
Its presentation is conversational, entertaining, structured and professional.
Vuuka FM conveys the Maragoli culture vibe through music and programming in a current and professional manner.
