Mediamax Network, owned by the Kenyatta family, has bought out Mombasa-based Pilipili FM, as it expands its presence in the radio segment to the coast.
The Swahili radio station was launched in 2012 and was owned by Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala. It broadcasts in Mombasa, Malindi and surrounding areas. It aims to entertain, inform and educate the community by featuring news, information and talk shows, with the slogan Mambo Moto Moto.
Mediamax owns Kameme FM and Milele FM, as well as K24 TV and the People newspapers.
Meanwhile, Mediamax is expected to launch a vernacular television station soon. The TV will be delivered on the digital platform in Kikuyu language to compete against the more established Njata TV for the niche kikuyu market.
Other vernacular TV stations already in operation include KassTV, which broadcasts in Kalenjin and Lolwe which delivers Luo content. Television is going the radio way. Nearly all big communities in Kenya have radio stations broadcasting in their local dialects.
