In Taita Taveta County, Kenya, many community members rely on borrowing to meet their daily needs. But with limited financial education, this often leads to overwhelming debt and a lack of understanding about how to manage it. At Mwanedu FM, a community radio station in the region, broadcaster Jackson Kilonzo is working to change that.
Mr. Kilonzo hosts Msepetuko wa Jioni, an evening drive-time program that typically focuses on family issues. But when he saw how widespread debt had become in his community and how little people knew about the consequences or the concept of illicit financial flows (IFFs)—he knew it was time to take action.
He says, “Most people in my area don’t realize how they fall into debt, and even fewer understand how to get out. Very few have heard of illicit financial flows at all. I felt it was important to bring these issues into the public conversation.”
To make these complex economic topics accessible, Mr. Kilonzo took a thoughtful approach. He produced multiple episodes in both English and the local language, ensuring that all listeners could engage with the content. He invited financial experts, debt officers, government officials, and everyday citizens to share their experiences and expertise on air. These interviews were conducted both in the studio and by phone to include a broad range of voices.
He says, “Our role as broadcasters is to be the voice of the community. Debt and illicit financial flows impact our lives, our economy, and our future. It’s our duty to help people understand and navigate these issues.”
The response from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive. Community members expressed gratitude for the information and even suggested that Mwanedu FM run these programs more frequently. Mr. Kilonzo says he has already seen a shift in how people talk about financial issues—many locals now say they will take precautionary steps before taking loans, and some even request referrals to financial experts for advice.
For other broadcasters interested in covering similar economic issues, Mr. Kilonzo offers simple but powerful advice.
He says, “Do your research, understand the local realities, and speak in a language your audience understands. Engage experts, but also give space to local voices. These are community issues, and solutions start with awareness.”
Thanks to broadcasters like Jackson Kilonzo, conversations about debt and illicit financial flows are no longer confined to policy rooms—they’re happening in homes, marketplaces, and community gatherings across Kenya.