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UNESCO urges Kenya to leverage on the power of radio to achieve SDGs

Xinhua, February 13, 2017 Adjust font size:

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Monday urged Kenya to leverage the power of radio to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern African Advisor for Communications and Information Jaco Du Toit told a media forum in Nairobi that radio has an important role to play in order to leave no one behind in terms of development.

"Radio can give a voice to people to explain and express themselves on issues that are relevant to them and also help policymakers prioritize achievement of SDGs," Du Toit said during an occasion to commemorate the World Radio Day.

Du Toit said that radio is important because it provides citizens with information on all areas that are highlighted by the SDGs.

He noted that the medium can also contribute to highlight the work that people are doing on an individual level to achieve the goals.

"In Kenya, radio can contribute on SDGs 16 on justice and peace so that the country can enjoy peace during the upcoming general elections," he added.

"However, radio can only play an important role if it is responsible for what it says and ensures it doesn't broadcast rumors but facts about what elements affect society," he noted.

The UN agency is currently providing technical assistance to Kenya so that it can achieve SDGs.

"We are working on programs to enhance the role of teachers as well as get more children into educational institutions," he added.

Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Permanent Secretary Sammy Itemere said that radio remains one of the most common and interactive media of communications.

"In the developing world including Kenya, where literacy levels are still a challenge, radio plays an important role as a medium of information, communication and entertainment to a large proportion of the citizens," Itemere said.

He noted that despite the deployment of ICTs and other instant messaging technologies, radio still maintains its position as a medium of choice for instant and real time mass communication and interaction. Endit