By Staff Writer | Wajir Today | 28 October 2025
For the past two years, Wajir Community Radio has been at the heart of change in Wajir County through the Xilkena Program, an initiative that has empowered communities to speak out, demand accountability, and champion human rights.
Running from March 2023 to 2025, the Xilkena Program has given a voice to the voiceless through its powerful radio broadcasts, public forums, and training sessions for human rights defenders, women, and youth.
Through its on-air discussions and community outreach, ordinary citizens have learned how to engage directly with their leaders and demand development and transparency.
“The radio is our ear and eyes,” said Halima Abey from Makoror, emphasising how Wajir Community Radio has become a bridge between leaders and the people.
Recently, a team from ForumCiv, a partner to Wajir Community Radio, and representatives from the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya, the programme’s donor, visited Wajir Community Radio to assess the impact of the Xilkena Program.
The Swedish Embassy delegation included Operational Controller Ms. Amra Turcinhodzic, and Senior Program Manager Mr. Abraham Misoi. The ForumCiv team was led by Mr. Jackson Obare, Regional Manager, and Ms. Chelimo Njoroge, Programme Manager of Wajibu Wetu–Jumuika, Sikika!
During their visit, the teams met with radio staff, community representatives, and beneficiaries of the Xilkena Program to hear first-hand how the initiative has changed lives across Wajir County.
The programme’s impact is visible in many parts of the county. In Biya Caad, for example, residents took collective action after learning about their rights through the Xilkena radio show.
“Our children were sharing one building as a classroom, store, and staffroom,” recalled Mama Bishara from the Sunrise area.
“After learning from Xilkena, we approached our Member of Parliament, and he agreed to construct two new classrooms.”
Such stories highlight how the Xilkena Program has strengthened civic engagement and confidence among Wajir residents. People who once felt powerless are now participating in decision-making processes, raising concerns, and holding duty bearers accountable for their actions.
Beyond its radio broadcasts, the programme has fostered civic awareness and strengthened community leadership, particularly among women and youth. Many of them have become more vocal about local issues, using the skills gained through Xilkena’s training sessions to advocate for human rights, transparency, and social justice.
Powerful force
The visit by the Swedish Embassy and ForumCiv teams underscored the importance of the partnership supporting this transformation.
In a statement on twitter, the Ambassador of Sweden in Kenya, Håkan Åkesson lauded the partnership with Wajir Radio Community.
“The Community radio is a powerful tool for inclusion and accountability. Platforms like Wajir Radio amplify voices that matter, strengthening dialogue, participation, and ultimately, democracy. Good to see this impact in Wajir” said the Ambassador
The Xilkena Program has proven that the media can be a powerful force for good. By amplifying community voices and promoting accountability, it has strengthened democracy at the grassroots level.
