Listen to MTUNZE PUNDA AKUTUNZE On KBC every Thursday at 8.45pm

Why radio

Radio is the most effective media for information transfer and acquisition.  It is expensive to acquire but has a wide coverage and ownership compared to the other media.  Historically, radio was used in Kenya as the only channel for government to pass messages, and so enjoys high believability. Since many communities have high believability in radio, it can easily change their perceptions and attitudes.  Currently there are many stations serving different ethnic groups and major religions in the country thus Interests of the youth (the largest segment of the population) are now being addressed. Synovate, a research organization reported (2008) that there are 97 radio stations with 91% radio listenership.  Heshimu Punda (KENDAT/ Brooke Donkey Welfare programme) has used radio due to its high believability to demystify many of the negative myths towards donkeys.

Equine welfare issues vs. behaviour change

Donkey abuse and mistreatment is largely an issue of behaviour and attitudes which are deeply embedded in the people cultural beliefs and perceptions. Such myths have negative effect on donkey welfare.

Mtunze Punda Akutunze radio program

Mtunze Punda Akutunze is a radio program which was started by KENDAT in 2003 on a pilot basis. The aim of the program was to impart the necessary knowledge for sustained positive attitudes, behaviors change and practices towards donkey welfare improvement.

In 2003, the program was aired on Inooro Fm and   broadcasted in Kikuyu. This was a 3 months pilot program. The year 2004, the program was moved to   Radio citizen and was broadcasted in Swahili language and later in 2005 aired on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in Swahili language. From 2009 the program has been done in Swahili on radio citizen.