Jowi FM

Jowi FM is a Dholuo-language station based in Kisumu, broadcasting on 98.1 FM to Luo listeners across Nyanza. Its coverage takes in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties.

The station began life under another name. It first went on air on 2 April 2019 in Siaya as Ratego FM. In late 2022 it moved to Kisumu, widened its coverage across Luo Nyanza and rebranded as Jowi FM. Jowi is the Dholuo word for buffalo.

The station was founded by Captain David Bondo and John Odingi, two employees of Royal Media Services who went on to open their own radio station. Odingi is the managing director.

The move to Kisumu put Jowi FM in direct competition with the biggest Dholuo stations in the country, including Royal Media Services' Ramogi FM, KBC's Mayienga FM, Radio Lake Victoria and Mediamax's Osiepe FM. Its format follows the familiar vernacular mix of news, talk and music in Dholuo, aimed at Luo listeners from Kisumu city out to the lakeside and rural parts of the four counties it covers.

We have not confirmed current presenters or show names, so none are listed. An older figure of 98.2 is sometimes given, but the station's own information points to 98.1 FM. In Kisumu and Nyanza, tune to 98.1 FM. Jowi FM posts updates on its Facebook page (facebook.com/JowiFM), and you can stream it live on this page.