Pomp and Colour as Inooro FM celebrates 23rd anniversary

Inooro FM, Kenya's premier Kikuyu language radio station, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary, marking more than two decades of impactful broadcasting since its launch in 2003.

For years, the station's signature tune, "Mũũgi ni Mũtaare", meaning "The wise accept counsel", has resonated across millions of households in the Mt. Kenya region and beyond.

As the pioneer Kikuyu language broadcaster, Inooro FM commands an audience of more than two million daily listeners, making it one of Kenya's most competitive radio stations.

The station derives its name, Inooro, from the traditional Kikuyu hard stone used to sharpen iron tools such as knives and axes.

True to its name, Inooro FM has remained committed to sharpening the minds of its listeners through informative and engaging programming that spans news, current affairs, talk shows, music, and community conversations.

Among its flagship programmes is the long-running breakfast show, Hagaria, hosted by Head of Radio Jeff Kuria.

Other popular shows include the\mid-morning Thĩrĩrĩka, lunchtime's Kũrikĩria, the afternoon drive programme Cũa Cũa, and the late-night Keera show, among others.

Every Sunday, the station's six-hour Ngogoyo programme attracts both young and old listeners, who tune in from noon until 6:00 p.m. to enjoy classic Kikuyu music.

Inooro FM enjoys an extensive footprint across the Mt. Kenya region through its network of frequencies, including Nairobi (98.9 FM), Murang'a (96.9 FM), Nyeri (97.8 FM), Embu (102.0 FM), and Meru (95.1 FM).

Beyond the region, the station has built a loyal audience in other parts of the country through frequencies serving Nakuru (88.9 FM), Eldoret (107.0 FM), Londiani (89.9 FM), among other areas.

Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, Inooro FM Head of Radio Jeff Kuria reflected on the station's remarkable journey to becoming one of Kenya's leading radio brands.

He applauded the commitment of staff, presenters, advertisers, and loyal listeners who have helped sustain the station's growth over the years.

Having been part of Inooro FM since January 26, 2007, Mr Kuria paid tribute to the presenters who have shaped the station's success over the years, including those who have since moved to other careers and those who have passed on.

He paid special tribute to the late Kihara wa Gathua, a respected journalist and one of the station's pioneering presenters.

He also acknowledged his predecessors, including former Head of Radio and current Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, for laying a strong foundation for the station.

"Presenters are very important people. Our listeners are equally important because if they do not tune in to Inooro FM, we would simply be off air. We also appreciate the stakeholders who advertise with us. I still remember the first classified advertisement I handled after joining the station on January 26, 2007. It came from Kiriri Women's University," Mr Kuria recalled.

"We invite politicians, scholars, doctors, business people, investors and many others to contribute to our programmes, and they have never failed us. We can never thank them enough. In fact, we do not pay them for their contribution, and no monetary compensation would truly suffice. We believe God will reward each one of them," Wangari said.

Several presenters who attended the celebrations reflected on their personal journeys with the station.

Gospel presenter Muturi wa Muiru recalled joining Royal Media Services before Inooro FM was officially launched.

He later transitioned from Radio Citizen, which at the time broadcast in three languages, to become one of the station's pioneer presenters.

Dr Mugikunjo recounted that when Inooro FM was launched, he was listening from a hospital bed, never imagining that fate would one day lead him to work at the station.

Celebrated sports presenter Jeremiah Kimani, popularly known as Referee Mwenyewe, left the audience in stitches as he narrated how he was working as a dry cleaner when he received the invitation to join Inooro FM.

He did not inform his colleagues where he was going, only for them to later excitedly tell him they had heard his voice on the radio.

It was yet another reminder of the station's immense popularity, having become a household name soon after its launch.

The station's newest mid-morning duo, Wakarindi wa Ndiithi and the ever-humorous Simon Kamonde, said working for Inooro FM had been a long-held dream that had finally come true.

Together, they host Thĩrĩrĩka Reloaded, which airs every weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., captivating audiences with their humour, wit, and engaging discussions.

For 23 years, Inooro FM has remained true to its identity as Mũcii wa Ũtugi na Ũtana (the home of kindness and generosity).

Through credible journalism, quality entertainment, cultural preservation, and meaningful community engagement, the station has continued to inform, inspire, and empower millions of listeners while strengthening the rich heritage of the Kikuyu language.

As it celebrates this remarkable milestone, Inooro FM looks to the future with renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to its audience.

Happy 23rd Anniversary, Inooro FM!