Radio Station Helps a Community Rebuild

When Amplifying Voices accompanied a Vox Radio team to a makeshift camp in Kenya’s Tana River County in June last year, they were met with a scene of profound hardship. For several weeks, more than 2,000 families, escaping devastating floods, had been living in makeshift shelters at Garsen Secondary School. Exposed to scorching heat by day and biting cold by night, they endured life without proper housing, sanitation, clean water, or security.

Through repeated pleas during community meetings and broadcasts, their voices—amplified consistently by Vox Radio—could eventually no longer be ignored. The Vox Radio team’s painstaking advocacy was beginning to pay off. Gradually, the stories of the community’s struggle began to gain traction, drawing the attention of local leaders, county officials, and humanitarian agencies.

After more than a year, relief has finally arrived. The national and county governments, in collaboration with partners, have allocated land to the affected families, offering them a chance to build permanent, safer homes.

“This is a new beginning for us. As women, we had no privacy, but now we are in a better position to build our own houses,” said Rukia Ali, a resident, her eyes filled with tears of joy. “We thank everyone who stood with us and helped our cry reach the authorities.”

Tana Delta Sub-County Administrator, Jarha Dhadho, together with the County Disaster Management Chief Officer, Salma Omara, confirmed that the resettlement process is underway. They urged families to uphold peace, unity, and hygiene as they transition into their new homes.

For Vox Radio, this milestone is a testament to the power of community journalism. By shedding light on the plight of vulnerable residents, the station helped push for accountability and action.

What began as a story of despair has now transformed into one of hope, resilience, and community renewal.

*Maureen Buya is the Vox Radio station manager