Community Radio as a Platform for Social Inclusion: Examining the Role of Sogoot FM in Amplifying the Voices of the Ogiek Community in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The Ogiek community in Kenya has historically experienced political, social and economic exclusion, because mainstream media has provided limited representation of their perspectives. Community radio offers an important platform for promoting social inclusion by amplifying marginalized voices, fostering dialogue, supporting advocacy and preserving indigenous culture. This study examined the role of Sogoot FM in promoting social inclusion among the Ogiek community in Nakuru County. Specifically, it assessed how the station’s programming amplifies community voices, facilitates rights-based advocacy and the operational challenges affecting its effectiveness. The study was guided by Development Media Theory and Participatory Communication Theory, which emphasize on the role of media in development, community participation and dialogue. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods research design was adopted. The target population comprised members of the Ogiek community in Mariashoni and Nessuit, Sogoot FM personnel, community elders and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Purposive sampling was used to select 27 key stakeholders, while cluster sampling produced a sample of 384 community members. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while interview data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Sogoot FM plays a significant role in promoting information sharing, cultural preservation, social inclusion and community dialogue through participatory programming. The station also contributes to rights-based advocacy by increasing awareness of community rights, encouraging civic participation and providing a platform for marginalized voices. However, financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, poor signal coverage, limited technical capacity and low community participation reduce its effectiveness and sustainability. The study contributes to theory and knowledge by demonstrating how participatory community radio can connect community voice, social inclusion, and rights-based advocacy, thereby extending the application of Development Media and Participatory Communication Theories in marginalized indigenous contexts. The study recommends that these theories be further applied and tested in other marginalized community media contexts to enhance their explanatory relevance. It also recommends increased funding, improved infrastructure, digital inclusion, staff capacity building, and stronger community engagement. Further research should examine the long-term effects of community radio on social inclusion and rights-based advocacy in other marginalized communities.