Top 9 Most Listened to Radio Stations in Kenya

An image depicting a person adjusting the volume of a portable radio system.
An image depicting a person adjusting the volume of a portable radio system.
Photo
UNESCO

Royal Media Services-owned Radio Citizen is the most popular radio station in Kenya, according to the latest survey.

The Independent Polling System of Society (IPSOS), in its report for the first quarter of 2025 on the most popular radio stations, ranked Radio Citizen as the most listened to radio station in Kenya.

Kenya’s radio industry remains among the most competitive in the region, with stations constantly battling for listener loyalty and market dominance.

The latest IPSOS report has revealed that Radio Citizen has continued to lead the pack, dominating the national radio landscape.

The station recorded the highest reach, at 9.3 per cent, and the largest share of radio listenership, at 17.3 per cent, to securethe number one position in both categories.

A collage of Spice FM, Vybez Radio and Radio Maisha studios
A collage of Spice FM, Vybez Radio and Radio Maisha studios
Photo
Spice FM/Radio Maisha/Standard Media Group

Radio Citizen was followed by Radio Jambo, Kameme Radio, Radio 47, Inoori FM, Radio Maisha, Ramogi FM, Milele FM, and Chamgei FM at 3.2,2.9,2.7,2.4,2.4,2.3,1.8, and 1.5 per cent respectively.

Although Radio Citizen emerged in the first position, it dropped in reach compared to the fourth quarter in 2024, where it led with a 10.4 per cent reach. Only Radio47 and Kameme FM are showing growth in the reach.

This continued success reflects Radio Citizen’s deep connection with audiences across the country, reflecting consistent programming, wide coverage, and strong brand loyalty.

Radio Jambo, which broadcasts in Kiswahili, had an improvement in its reach compared to last year, where it had recorded a 2.7 per cent reach.

At only two years old, the report revealed that while most radio stations dropped in market share, Radio47 owned by Cape Media ltd, was the only radio station to grow its market share.

According to the report, Kenyans in rural areas listen to the radio more compared to those in urban areas, with a listening rate of 65.6  and 34.4 per cent, respectively.

More men at 50.2 per cent, than women at 49.8 per cent, are listening to the radio, according to the report. In terms of age, Kenyans aged between 25-34 lead in radio listening at 33.2 per cent, followed by those aged 18-24 at 29.5 per cent.

Only 18 per cent of those aged between 35-44 listen to the radio, while those aged 45 and over are at 17 per cent.

Regionally, the report highlighted Central Kenya as the leader in the consumption of radio content, followed by Rift Valley, Western, Nairobi, the Lake Region, coastal, and Lower Eastern.

A photo of a radio station studio.
A photo of a radio station studio.
Photo
Varsity Scope