Community Building Through the Airwaves : RefFM Radio Station and Young People in Kakuma

This article explores how RefFM, a refugee‑run community radio station in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, supports community building and social cohesion among young people. Drawing from four focus group discussions with 30 youths aged 18–28, the study analyzes how young refugees use and perceive RefFM. The findings show that radio serves both development and humanitarian purposes: it promotes cultural diversity, supports arts and sports, amplifies youth voices, and provides platforms for problem‑solving and small‑business promotion. At the humanitarian level, RefFM disseminates crucial information on security, health, water supply, and food distribution (including Bamba Chakula updates). Youth also highlight radio’s role in conflict prevention, especially by countering misinformation and discouraging gang activity. However, challenges include language barriers, uneven representation, and limited follow‑through on youth concerns. The study concludes that purposefully designed “refugee community radio” programming can strengthen cohesion and better serve displaced young populations.