Billionaire Simon Gicharu, founder of Mount Kenya University, has been making waves in the radio industry with his latest investment in Radio 47. The new radio station, set to launch this month, will broadcast in Kiswahili and has already caused a stir by poaching top radio presenters from other stations.
Gicharu is unapologetic about his strategy, stating that he intends to replicate the successes of his other media stations on Radio 47, and he believes that poaching proven and tested presenters is the only way to go. He has invested millions in Radio 47 and hopes that the station will attract a wide audience with its high-quality content.
“The success of our sister stations (Royal FM and TV 47)have really proved that there is still space and segment for the audience with the right content, and we are optimistic and ready for the market as we launch Radio 47 this month,’’ Gicharu says.
The poaching has caused Standard Media Group’s Radio Maisha to lose a number of its top presenters, including sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali, Lynda Oriaso, Geoffrey Mang’ou, Beatrice Maganga, Irene Kaimuri, and Eric Wambugu. Radio 47 has also reportedly poached presenter Evah Mwalili from Milele FM, which is owned by the Kenyatta family.
Gicharu believes that the success of his other media stations, Royal FM and TV 47, proves that there is still space and a segment of the audience for the right content. He is optimistic about the launch of Radio 47 and is ready to take on the market.
Once it goes live, Radio 47 will start by broadcasting in Nairobi, Webuye, Kisumu, Kericho, Mumias, Mombasa, Lamu, Garsen, and Central Kenya. With a wide reach and a team of top presenters, Gicharu hopes that Radio 47 will quickly become a household name in Kenya.
