A Christian radio network in Kenya is stepping beyond the airwaves to support communities devastated by unusually early and intense flooding that has displaced tens of thousands across the country.
The floods, triggered by the early arrival of the rainy season in late February and early March, have left widespread destruction in western and central Kenya. According to CARE International, more than 70,000 people have been displaced, at least 108 lives lost, and over 1,200 hectares of cropland destroyed.
For TWR Kenya, a Christian broadcasting organization marking its 50th anniversary this year, the crisis has prompted a rapid shift from traditional programming to emergency response and community outreach.
“We were not prepared, even our systems were not ready for the scale of these flash floods,” said Njoki Chege, executive director of TWR Kenya and its partner station SIFA FM. “This has been a tough season for Kenya, but also a moment for reflection on how we prepare for future disasters.”
As floodwaters swept through vulnerable regions, TWR Kenya turned its radio platforms into vital sources of information and encouragement. Broadcasts now include practical guidance on flood safety and climate awareness, alongside spiritual programming aimed at sustaining hope among affected populations.
For many rural and low-income households, radio remains one of the most accessible communication tools. TWR Kenya has expanded its outreach by distributing radio sets in underserved areas, ensuring that critical information reaches those most at risk.
“Our role is to speak hope,” Chege said. “Through devotional programs, we encourage people to trust in God while also taking practical steps to rebuild their lives.”
Although not traditionally a humanitarian agency, TWR Kenya has also engaged in limited relief efforts, including food distribution in the hardest-hit communities.
“People lack basic needs right now,” Chege noted. “While this is not our primary mandate, the situation has required us to respond in ways we normally wouldn’t.”
Many of the organization’s own staff members are based in regions classified by the Kenyan government as hardship areas, making their work both personal and challenging.
Kenya’s geography compounds the crisis. More than 80 percent of the country is classified as arid or semi-arid land, leaving communities highly dependent on rainfall patterns. The recent floods highlight the country’s growing vulnerability to climate extremes, swinging between drought and sudden, destructive rainfall.
The scale of the devastation has been so severe that some Kenyans initially mistook images of the flooding for artificial intelligence-generated content, Chege said.
Despite the losses, there are signs of resilience. Communities are gradually rebuilding, and humanitarian and faith-based organizations continue to provide support.
“People have lost property and loved ones, but they remain hopeful,” Chege said. “Kenyans are resilient. We are recovering, and people are moving forward.”
As TWR Kenya celebrates five decades of broadcasting, the organization says its mission remains unchanged, to serve communities through media, especially in times of crisis.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners,” Chege added. “This work requires strength, faith, and guidance, and we continue to pray for all three as we serve those in need.”