By Michael Kwoba & Geoffrey Otieno
In the vast, sun-scorched lands of Marsabit County, where ‘manyatta villages stretch across endless hills and churches are few and far between, one woman has found her sanctuary not in a building but in a voice over the airwaves.
Meet Qabale Jarso affectionately known as Mama Kanisa, a mother of five from Oronder village, 20 kilometers from Marsabit town along the Marsabit-Moyale road. Born in Saku Constituency and married to Jarso Ballo from Bubisa. Qabale’s story is a beautiful reminder that God’s church is not confined by walls, distance, or even a lack of a Bible, it can thrive wherever there’s a willing heart and a working radio.
Since 2022, she has been a faithful listener of Sifa FM Marsabit, tuning in every morning to hear the Word of God. Living in a community without a nearby church, the radio became her sanctuary a place of discipleship, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment. “The programs brought the Gospel right into my home,” she said with a warm smile, recalling how her small radio would gather neighbors who came to listen, sing, and worship together.
But when her radio broke down earlier this year, her world fell silent. “I felt lost,” she sadly shared. “Some even thought I had converted to the other religion because they no longer heard worship songs from my home.” Her face lit up again only when she was gifted a new radio courtesy of Trans World Radio Kenya. “Now, my church is alive again. I feel revived and close to God.”
Qabale’s story mirrors that of Mama Luke from Moyale Sub-county, at the Kenya–Ethiopia border. She testifies that God has been speaking to her through Sifa FM’s programs such as Knowing God, Dorothy’s Devotion, and Neno Litaendelea.
“I am not privileged to attend church gatherings, but through my radio, I receive His Word while straight to my home,” she says. Her faith is anchored in Scripture and strengthened by the stories and teachings she hears daily. “We are living in hard times, temptations, storms, and the rise of anti-Christ activities. Yet just as Jesus calmed the storm, He is calming ours too.”
Her sentiments are echoed by Mama Kakhu from Uran, Sololo Sub-county. “God is speaking to us through Sifa FM Marsabit even through people we don’t know,” she said. “We’ve learned the importance of being attentive to God’s Word, both in church and at home.” Reflecting on Luke 10:38–42, she likened modern distractions in church to Martha’s initial busyness, reminding believers to sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary listening intently to His Word.
These women represent countless others across Marsabit County and beyond who may never step into church or own a Bible but who have found church through a simple radio.
Sifa FM, a broadcast ministry of Trans World Radio Kenya, continues to bring hope, discipleship, and the transforming truth of the Gospel to the most remote corners of Kenya. In places where roads are rough, churches are few, and resources are scarce, radio becomes the pulpit, and every home becomes a sanctuary.
Every radio broadcast in these distant villages becomes more than a device it becomes a lifeline of faith. And every time someone chooses to stand with this mission, another heart in a faraway place hears the voice of hope once more.
If you feel led to be part of this quiet but powerful movement of reaching the unreached, you can connect with us at info@twr.co.ke or send your support through MPESA Pay Bill 826420 – Account Name : Missions. Together, we can keep the Gospel alive in places where even one working radio means a whole village can hear God’s Word.
