World Radio Day 2025: Director of Catholic Bishops’ Radio in Kenya Urges Media to Prioritize Climate Change

The Kenyan Catholic Nun encouraged partnerships between Catholic and secular media to maximize impact, stating, “When we combine resources, we can target different demographics and ensure climate messages reach a broader audience.”

The member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) highlighted the unique contribution of Catholic media in the campaign against climate change.

Credit: ACI Africa

“Catholic media can emphasize the theological and moral obligation to care for creation, as outlined in 'Laudato Si',” Sr. Ndilu told ACI Africa.

She explained that theological and moral approaches could inspire faith communities to commit to personal and communal ecological practices.

The Director of Waumini Radio, who also serves as the National Executive Secretary of KCCB’s Commission for Social Communications since her appointment in January 2020 underlined the role of media in climate advocacy.

Credit: ACI Africa

“Interactive campaigns using hashtags, challenges, and community stories can engage audiences and amplify climate change messages," she said and added that producing engaging audio and video content allows media to delve deeper into environmental issues while showcasing diverse perspectives.

Sr. Ndilu also acknowledged the power of the radio in reaching remote populations, saying, “Radio has a wide reach, providing vital information even in underserved areas.”

“We, therefore, call upon cooperates, organizations, and activists to utilize the radio because it can reach listeners in remote areas, ensuring that vital information about climate resilience and adaptation is accessible to everyone,” she said. 

Credit: ACI Africa

The Kenyan Catholic Nun, who was appointed a Consulter of the Vatican Dicastery for communication in September 2022 encouraged organizations and activists to use radio to disseminate critical information about climate resilience and adaptation.

In the February 12 interview, Sr. Ndilu disclosed how the station that celebrated 20 years of service in September 2023 participated in the WRD which she said was done two days earlier. She said, “Radio Waumini marked WRD by hosting a special program on peace and hope.”

 “This year, being the Jubilee Year of Hope, we focused on renewing the virtue of hope, especially given the economic challenges in Kenya," Sr. Ndilu said and added that the program emphasized the role of radio in promoting peace and fostering community ties.

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Credit: ACI Africa

Sr. Ndilu also reflected on the training organized by the KCCB’s Commission for Social Communications last year to empower Catholic journalists on environmental advocacy.

She said, “Over 60 Catholic journalists received training on effectively reporting climate change and environmental issues. Following the training, participating media houses produced on-air programs dedicated to environmental advocacy.”

Group photo of the Communicators on the last day of the workshop. Credit: ACI Africa

The IHM member who was appointed a board member of the African region of the World Catholic Association for Communication, SIGNIS Africa, in July 2022 said the initiative also included a tree-planting exercise involving journalists and community members, reinforcing the connection between media and local communities.

Sr. Ndilu reiterated the need for collaborative action in climate advocacy, saying, “By leveraging their strengths, Catholic and secular media can work together to build an informed, proactive society.”

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the WRD was instituted on 13 February 2012. UNESCO recognizes the radio’s contribution to “the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods.