On February 13, nations across the globe celebrated World Radio Day, an occasion first proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011. This proclamation was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. For Mount Kigali University journalism and communication students, the day had added significance this year. Two weeks earlier, the university had acquired equipment to boost journalism training. Additionally, the university embarked on upgrading its studios. Vice-Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia extended his appreciation to radio stations and journalists for their dedication to informing, educating, and entertaining the public. “Radio remains one of the most influential and accessible forms of media, providing a voice to communities, fostering dialogue, and shaping public opinion. We recognise and celebrate the incredible work of radio journalists who uphold professionalism, integrity, and the responsibility of delivering accurate information to society,” Kimemia stated. As radio enters its second century, it remains one of the most reliable and widely accessible forms of media. In Rwanda, radio broadcasting dates back to the 1960s with the establishment of Radio Rwanda, the country’s first state-owned station. Over the decades, radio has played a vital role in disseminating news, government policies, and cultural programs. However, the past 30 years have posed significant challenges for Rwandan media, particularly radio stations. The stations worked to rebuild public trust following the dark legacy left by certain broadcasters during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has since made remarkable progress in media development, with 34 FM radio stations operating nationwide, a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering responsible journalism. This progress has been driven by government initiatives aimed at strengthening the media sector. This has been boosted by the contribution of academic institutions such as Mount Kigali University, which has played a crucial role in shaping generations of ethical and professional journalists. Since its establishment over 12 years ago, the School of Journalism at Mount Kigali University has played a pivotal role in shaping Rwanda’s media landscape. It has over the years produced skilled journalists who now contribute to major local and international media houses, particularly in radio. According to Festus Irungu, Head of the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies, the university is committed to fostering ethical journalism through practical training and industry collaborations. “Our goal is to equip students with practical skills in a professional learning environment. With state-of-the-art facilities like our on-campus radio station, Royal FM, we provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to understand the realities of working in a live broadcast setting. “Beyond classroom learning, we have also established strong partnerships with leading media houses and key industry players such as the Rwanda Media Program and Fojo Institute to elevate journalistic standards. Through mentorship programmes, specialised training, and real-world exposure, we ensure that our graduates enter the media industry with confidence, competence, and a strong ethical foundation,” Irungu said. For media professionals like Anita Pendo, a journalist at Kiss FM, institutions like Mount Kigali University have played a key role in nurturing radio talent. “The training we received from the university has shaped us into well-rounded professionals. Radio is fast-paced, and having a strong academic foundation prepares you to adapt, think critically, and engage audiences effectively,” she said. Echoing this sentiment, Adams Kwizera, a radio and TV journalist at Isango at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, and a graduate of Mount Kigali University, emphasised the importance of journalism education in strengthening the industry. “Many of us entered the field with raw passion, but journalism schools refine that passion into a professional skill set. From ethical reporting to technical production, the knowledge we gain enables us to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s growing radio industry,” he noted. The university aims to become a leading centre for media training in the region. It recently introduced new programmes, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Animation Studies, and a Master’s in Journalism. These new programmes are supported by state-of-the-art studios and advanced equipment, providing students with a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, the university is constructing a new campus block, which will feature a theatre where students can showcase their acting skills to live audiences, further enhancing their practical training.
