Royal Media Services (RMS) has announced wide-ranging changes across several of its radio stations, marking one of the biggest reshuffles in recent years as the media company seeks to refresh its programming and attract new audiences.
The changes, which were confirmed on Monday, February 9, affect some of the most recognisable radio personalities in the country, including veteran journalist Jeff Koinange.
According to the announcement, Jeff Koinange and his longtime co-host Patrick Igunza will no longer host their popular morning show on Hot96 FM. The duo, who have built a strong following among listeners during the breakfast slot, will now move to the station’s evening drive show.
Taking over the morning programme are presenters Nick Odhiambo and Cynthia Mwangi, who are expected to bring a new style and energy to the show as part of the station’s rebranding efforts.
The changes were confirmed by RMS Radio and ICT Director Fred Afune, who described the reshuffle as a bold but necessary step aimed at keeping the stations fresh and competitive in an evolving media environment.
Afune explained that moving experienced presenters to different time slots allows both the hosts and the audience to experience something new.
He noted that shifting a well-known morning presenter to the evening or assigning a late-night host to a different slot challenges talent to connect with new listeners while also giving fans an opportunity to enjoy a different side of their favourite radio personalities.
Hot96 FM was not the only station affected by the changes. At Radio Citizen, the popular morning show Jambo Kenya will now be hosted by Tina Ogal, Abdi Munai, and Kuka Kisondio.
The new team replaces Vincent Ateya and Melody Sinzore, who have been moved to the afternoon drive show.
The adjustment is expected to introduce a fresh dynamic to the morning programme while maintaining the station’s strong focus on current affairs and engaging conversations that appeal to its wide audience base.
Another notable change involves legendary radio presenter Willy Tuva, who has been moved from his long-running and widely recognised Mambo Mseto show. The programme will now be hosted by Qtee, Bensu, and DJ Flash.
Tuva, who has built his brand around Swahili entertainment content and music promotion, will now take over the Waks Tikitaka show.
The new programme is known for its heavy use of Sheng and youthful slang, marking a significant shift from Tuva’s traditional presentation style. Industry observers say this move could help the veteran presenter connect with a younger audience while also bringing his experience to a different format.
The reshuffle also extends to other RMS stations across the country. At Mulembe FM, Omar Bakuli has moved from the Breakfast Show to the Drive Show, while Pamela Kadima steps in to take over the morning slot.
Meanwhile, at Inooro FM, Jeff Kuria and Nyoxx have joined the Drive Show Cua Cua, adding new voices to the popular evening programme. Veteran late-night host Nderitu Waihura will take a break from his usual show, with Njuguna and Karwimbo temporarily filling the late-night slot.
Media analysts note that such changes are common in the radio industry, especially when stations aim to maintain listener interest and remain competitive.
Morning show presenters often command strong loyalty from audiences, and moving them to different time slots can help redistribute that audience across the day’s programming.
By doing so, stations hope to strengthen listenership beyond peak hours while introducing fresh combinations of presenters and content styles.
The latest reshuffle is widely seen as part of RMS’s broader strategy to modernise its radio offerings, experiment with new formats, and keep listeners engaged in an increasingly competitive media space.
As the new lineup takes effect immediately, listeners across the country are expected to experience a different sound and energy across RMS stations in the coming weeks.
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