The new broadcast facility is already allowing Cape Media to expand its editorial and creative capabilities.
Radio 47, under Cape Media Ltd., has launched Africa’s first fully IP-based, automated hybrid broadcast facility in Nairobi. Positioned in Kenya’s capital, the advanced media centre integrates radio, television, livestreaming and remote production into a single, highly flexible system. The facility was planned and implemented by Kigali-based Mediacity Ads Ltd., an expert in IP broadcast systems and the regional partner of German tech company Lawo.
The new broadcast centre utilises cutting-edge technology from a host of international manufacturers, including Lawo (Germany), MultiCam Systems (France), AVT Audio Video Technologies (Germany), Voceware, Cleanfeed, Genelec, Telos Alliance, PTZ Optics and OptiSign. At the heart of the setup is an IP-native infrastructure powered by Lawo’s crystal broadcast consoles and the Power Core DSP engine, using RAVENNA/AES67 for audio-over-IP networking. Operators benefit from Lawo’s customisable VisTool GUI software, which offers touchscreen control of sources, meters, and routing — enabling smooth and efficient management of complex productions across multiple platforms.
Each of Radio 47’s three new on-air studios is outfitted with Lawo crystal consoles, valued for their compact design and seamless IP integration. These consoles are connected to a central Lawo Power Core — a high-density, modular I/O and mixing engine capable of handling extensive audio routing, digital signal processing, and multiple studio operations from a central hub. The Power Core’s modular design includes support for analog, AES3, Dante, and MADI formats, offering compatibility with both legacy and modern broadcasting equipment.
An AES67-compliant IP backbone connects all studios, control rooms, and editing suites, ensuring real-time, lossless audio transmission throughout the facility. The RAVENNA networking standard enables any audio source — from live feeds to phone calls — to be routed instantly across the system without the need for physical cabling or manual intervention.
“This wasn’t just an upgrade,” said Fred Martin Kiwalabye, Project Manager and Head Technical Engineer at Mediacity Ads Ltd. “It was a reinvention of how media can work—cleaner, smarter, faster, and future-proof. Powered by Lawo and supported by visionary leadership, we’ve redefined the possibilities.”
The combination of Lawo’s open standards, low-latency architecture, and unmatched reliability has proven particularly valuable in the Kenyan market, where agility, consistency, and operational uptime are key to maintaining competitive edge in fast-growing media environments.
“This project proves that world-class broadcast infrastructure doesn’t have to come from outside Africa,” said Jesse K. Maxella, CEO, Mediacity Ads Ltd. and Lawo representative for Rwanda and Africa. “It can be designed, delivered, and supported locally with global standards in mind.”
Geoffrey Mungou, Head of Radio at Cape Media Ltd added: “Today’s radio is visual, interactive, and dynamic. The consistency in output has elevated how our brand is perceived, not just on air, but across all platforms. We can now confidently plan big ideas, collaborate with partners, and experiment with new formats without worrying about technical limitations.”
Irene Wanjiku, Head of Production at Cape Media Ltd, stated: “This system has revolutionized our workflow. What once took multiple teams, complex routing, and manual effort is now seamless and intuitive. From OB feeds to livestream guests, we control everything from one dashboard.”
The new facility is already enabling Cape Media to expand its editorial and creative offerings. Whether it’s producing multilingual podcasts, simulcasting to online platforms, or managing live call-ins and studio guests with minimal setup time, the Lawo-powered system is designed to evolve with Cape Media’s vision.
“We documented every step,” commented Fred Martin Kiwalabye. “We knew this wasn’t just for us—it’s a model for Africa and the world.”
