ROLE OF JOURNALISM IN GOOD GOVERNANCE IN KENYA: A CASE OF NATION

MEDIA GROUP

By

Atsing’a Godfrey Ahinda

ADM NO: IS/DJM/07/12

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF A DIPLOMA IN JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES, MOI UNIVERSITY,

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION SCIENCES.

2014

Declaration

Declaration by Student

I declare that this project is my original work and that it has not been presented anywhere for

academic purpose and has not been used anywhere for commercial or other purposes as at the

date of submission:

Signature ………………………………….. Date …………………………

Atsing’a Godfrey Ahinda

REG. NO. IS/DJM/07/12

Moi University

School of Information Sciences

Declaration by Supervisor

I declare that this project has been submitted to the faculty of Information Sciences with my

approval as the supervisor:

Signature ……………………………. Date …………………………….

Mr. Wattuman Memba

Moi University

School of information Sciences

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Dedication

I dedicate my work to the almighty God who gives me strength to move on, and in honor of my

late father Nathan Atsing’a Avosa. Dad, I wish you were here to lift up my hands when things

seemed not to work, I wish you were around to hold my hand and celebrate with me as I put my

life together.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge my dear wife Naomi Atsing’a and my beloved daughter Gloria Atsing’a for

having to bear with me during my study and research period. The nights I had to keep awake,

many a time I stayed out till late weekends inclusive: you are a great people; this success is all

yours even though at times you never understood.

I can’t forget my Internship mentors: Musa, Ken, Anthony, Lenny, Jabari, Ann, Manasseh, Safari

Africa Radio (SAR) and Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) staff who

provided me with additional information to boost my project work. I acknowledge my

Supervisor Mr. Wattuman Memba for the guidance and follow up’s throughout my research

period ensuring my success.

I am grateful to the sources of Nation Media Group {NMG} and Kenya Television Network

(KTN) that helped me get more information about the journalism industry.

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Abstract

This research project on the role of journalism in good governance in Kenya is a wide topic

highlighting the challenges journalists go through, their roles in good governance, ways

journalists can avoid day to day conflicts with the government and ways of mitigating these

challenges. Generally journalists have a major role to play in enhancing good governance putting

the government on spot as well as highlighting whatever that doesn’t work well or doesn’t go

along with the constitution line. Journalists play the role of a watchdog, Voice to the voiceless,

entertaining, creating humor, Educating among others. To get the right content in boosting this

research, I took the study of Nation Media Group then compared with the Kenya Television

Network; the leading media houses in Kenya as well as most influential putting things as they

are. Journalists have had a rough time in delivering their respective duties with cases of being

beaten, arrested, work equipment destroyed, poorly paid, intimidation among other issues that

tent to hinder their service delivery in boosting good governance. This research has gone deeper

to also share some of the things that both the government and journalism industry can do to be

successful without always brushing shoulders. Incase journalists can adhere to their ethics and

code of conduct, the government putting their ways in order, and then Governance in Kenya will

be great.

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Table of Contents

Declaration............................................................................................................................................. i

Dedication............................................................................................................................................. ii

Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................................. iii

Abstract................................................................................................................................................ iv

CHAPTER ONE...................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................1

1.2 Background Information.............................................................................................................3

1.3 Statement of the problem............................................................................................................3

1.4 Objectives of the Study...............................................................................................................4

1.5 Research Questions.....................................................................................................................4

1.6 Significance of the Study............................................................................................................5

1.7 Justifications...............................................................................................................................5

1.8 Hypothesis of the Study..............................................................................................................5

1.9 Scope and Limitation of the Study..............................................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO................................................................................................................................7

LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................................................7

2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................7

2.2 History of Journalism..................................................................................................................7

2.3 Types of Journalists.....................................................................................................................9

2.3.1 Investigative journalism.......................................................................................................9

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2.3.2 News journalism...................................................................................................................9

2.3.3 Commentator journalism....................................................................................................10

2.3.4 Columns journalism...........................................................................................................11

2.3.5 Feature writing Journalism.................................................................................................11

2.3.6 Review Journalism.............................................................................................................11

2.4 Roles of Journalists in good governance in Kenya....................................................................11

2.4.1 Watchdog role....................................................................................................................14

2.4.2 Agenda setting role.............................................................................................................14

2.4.3 Voice to the voiceless role..................................................................................................15

2.4.4 To give humor/ entertainment role.....................................................................................16

2.4.5 Educating role....................................................................................................................16

2.4.6 Democracy role..................................................................................................................16

2.5 Challenges journalists face in enhancing good governance...................................................17

2.6 How Journalists can avoid conflicts in their day to day duties..................................................20

2.6.1 Journalism Ethics and Standards........................................................................................22

2.6.2 Journalism policies and regulation.....................................................................................24

2.6.3 Journalism legislation and services....................................................................................24

2.7 Strategies Journalists have to employ to mitigate challenges in delivering good governance. . .26

2.7.1 Protections of Journalists....................................................................................................26

2.7.2 Journalists appraisals..........................................................................................................27

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2.8 Case study of Nation Media Group...........................................................................................27

2.8.1 NMG Background Information..........................................................................................27

2.8.3 Operations of NMG............................................................................................................29

2.8.4 The role of Nation Media Group in enhancing good Governance......................................31

CHAPTER THREE..........................................................................................................................34

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................34

3.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................34

3.2 Research design.........................................................................................................................34

3.3 Study Locale.............................................................................................................................34

3.4 Target population and sample size............................................................................................35

3.5 Sampling Techniques................................................................................................................35

3.6 Data Collection Procedures.......................................................................................................35

3.7 Data collection tools..................................................................................................................36

3.8 Validity of Instruments..........................................................................................................37

3.9 Reliability of Instruments......................................................................................................37

3.10 Ethical Considerations.........................................................................................................37

CHAPTER FOUR...............................................................................................................................39

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS.....................................................................................39

4.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................39

4.2 Data collection..........................................................................................................................39

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4.3 Demographic characteristics of the study respondents..............................................................39

4.3.1 Gender distribution.............................................................................................................39

4.3.2 Educational level................................................................................................................39

4.3.3 Academic qualifications.....................................................................................................41

4.3.4 Respondents work experience............................................................................................41

4.3.5 Respondents’ past experience.............................................................................................42

4.4 Data analysis........................................................................................................................43

CHAPTER FIVE................................................................................................................................44

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS..................................................................................44

5.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................44

5.2 Conclusions...............................................................................................................................44

5.3 Recommendations.....................................................................................................................45

Reference............................................................................................................................................47

Appendix I..........................................................................................................................................50

Time schedule for the research............................................................................................................50

Appendix II.........................................................................................................................................51

Researchers Questionnaire..................................................................................................................51

Informed consent letter.......................................................................................................................54

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List of Abbreviations

ACME - African Centre for Media ExcellenceAMI - Africa Media InitiativeBBC - British Broadcasting Co-operationCREAW - Centre for Rights Education and Awareness DN - Daily NationDP - Democratic PartyIIEC - Interim Independent Electoral CommissionJKIA - Jomo Kenyatta International AirportKBC - Kenya Broadcasting Co-operationKANU - Kenya African National Union KTN - Kenya Television NetworkLDP - Liberal Democratic PartyMCK - Media Council of KenyaMCL - Mwananchi Communications LimitedMPL - Monitor Publications LimitedMP’s - Members of ParliamentNARC - National Rainbow CoalitionNCL - Nation Carriers LimitedNMG - Nation Media CroupNM &P - Nation Marketing and Publishing LimitedNTV - Nation TelevisionSAR - Safari Africa RadioUCAP - Union of Catholic Africa PressUNDP - United Nations Development ProgrammeUNESCO - United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Journalists play a major role in good governance, not only in Kenya, but globally. Many are

times media has gone through tough times in trying to deliver their services. Many have been

killed in their line of duty, kidnapped, arrested, while others threatened as they try to bring sanity

in the governance by amplifying the wrongs. It’s the media who play the major role in providing

of information to the world as it unfolds. Without journalists taking their stand in delivering this,

then there would be no news or current affairs. Despite the daily challenges, threats,

intimidations, still they deliver.

Cases like those of Sudan and Somalia killings couldn’t reach out if journalists dint have brought

it out to the public. People could be just losing their lives silently as leaders go about as if

nothing really has happened. Bringing all these out isn’t as easy as one may think; there should

be total coordination between the government and the journalists. The government doesn’t want

to support the media and motivate them to bring out the best as well as report to the public every

information as it unfolds. Many are times the media has been gagged, this should not be

happening.

When the West gate was attacked by the al-shabaab militia, it’s the media that gave an alert

warning citizens from going near owing to the fact many had been taken hostage at the same

time were death causalities at the scene. The delay in the government from taking quick action

immediately the incident happened leaving the attackers escape puts the governance on the spot.

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Early this year we saw the Clerk of Kenya's National Assembly Justin Bundi issue an ultimatum

to journalists to vacate Parliament's media centre. The Clerk ordered that journalists will be

“invited” to Parliament when they are needed claiming that the media centre would host

parliamentary committees. This should not be happening at all and it only came a fortnight after

the Leader of majority of the National Assembly Aden Duale had warned the media of teaching

them a lesson over their coverage of Mp’s pay controversy.

The role of Journalism in good governance is portrayed in a variety of sources including:

Television and Radio news programs, Journals, Newspapers, Internet webs, Documentaries, and

Features. The print media provides information on wide variety of subjects: the local issues are

brought forward in eyes of the public by regional newspapers. The national newspapers deal with

mostly national and international issues. The newspaper tends to be neutral on most subjects

catering mostly to intellectual people.

The radio broadcast medium is very popular in rural areas; the radio reaches the remote parts of

the county at the same time it’s simple to use. The government broadcasts related information

through radio. The television medium has the maximum impact on the mind of the people due to

its presentation. People are able to catch real time event in form of breaking news. It is also a

popular form of entertainment.

This chapter further provides an over view of the project proposal including the problem

statement, the aim of the study, study objectives, Research questions, significance of the study,

the scope of the study, assumptions and limitations of the study.

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1.2 Background Information

In Kenya, the executive is in the hands of the government, the legislature is in the hands of the

National Assembly and the government while the judicial is in the hands of the judiciary. Since

1963, Kenya was ruled by one party system “KANU” (Kenya African National Union) until

2002 when the first elections were considered democratic by the international standards. The

then NARC (National Rainbow Coalition), a merge of different parties led by the Kenya

Democratic party (DP) and the Liberal Democratic party (LDP) whose President was Mwai

Kibaki joined with other smaller parties to end the single party rule of KANU whose presidential

candidate was the current President Uhuru Kenyatta. The Narc government took over with a land

slide, writing history for the first time since independence.

Since the introduction of the multiparty rule, there has emerged a strong opposition that helps in

keeping the ruling party and government under pressure to ensure good governance. The

opposition too at times steps in to sideline with the journalists incase oppression steps in. After

the 2007 general elections that led to clashes all over the country, the coalition government was

formed to enhance peace. This has really helped both parties to keep an eye on the other to

ensure proper governance and that the promises made during campaigns are delivered failure of

which they raise their voice: this at the end puts the ruling party on the track to deliver.

1.3 Statement of the problem

Threat cases to journalists and the entire media fraternity professionals universally and in Kenya

are on the increase according to a research conducted by the Hivos (2013). Most journalists

about 70% are dissatisfied with the level of safety and security measures put in place for them.

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Some feel that their prospective media house lack the resolve and will to investigate violations

committed against them while trying to put governance on the spot.

They have in the past been attacked and even threatened by state officials whenever they attempt

to put the ruling government on task to good governance dating back to the first state leaders.

Journalists claim that state officers have to be sensitized about the importance of the work they

are doing in development of this country. At the same time, police, the judicial officers,

prosecutors and lawyers should be trained on how to handle or follow up on any threats and

attacks on media practitioners.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The reason for undertaking this study was:

i. To establish the role of Journalism in good governance in Kenya.

ii. To determine the challenges facing Journalists in Kenya.

iii. To determine and mark areas Journalists have to improve to avoid day to day conflicts.

iv. To establish the strategies of mitigating the challenges that face Journalists in Kenya.

1.5 Research Questions

i. What are the roles of journalists in good governance?

ii. What are the challenges that face journalists in Kenya?

iii. How can journalists avoid day to day conflicts with the government?

iv. Which strategies can journalists employ to mitigate these challenges to deliver good

governance?

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1.6 Significance of the Study

Good governance is of great significance to the development of every country and Nation.

Without Journalists taking the stand in playing their various roles like being watchdogs,

investigations, moderators, entertaining, commentating, promoting of public dialogue, keeping of

public records, being the voice for the voiceless, setting agenda: then there would be no news nor

one knowing of what is taking place outside and inside, no current affairs.

1.7 Justifications

The potential role of the media in improving governance and accountability is a major area of

interest to the international development community. A free independent and pluralistic media

environment, offering the means and incentives for the widest participation can have a profound

influence on people’s opportunities to access information and services, to understand and be able

to exercise their rights, to participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to hold to account

those in positions of power and responsibility.

1.8 Hypothesis of the Study

This study is based on assumption that Journalists all over the world including Kenya are

regularly being: intimidated, threatened, beaten, frustrated and killed in cold blood, hijacked,

abused e.t.c while carrying out their various responsibilities. The government doesn’t want to be

put on the sport about governance issues; mainly they want to do their own stuff on the common

citizen’s ignorance.

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1.9 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study was intended to show how journalists can enhance good governance in our country

Kenya. The study was carried out to outline the various roles journalists’ play, the challenges

they face and ways in which they can handle this mitigations in ensuring the government is

playing their respective roles. This study is only based on role of journalist in good governance

in Kenya; it doesn’t carry the information or reflect other nations. This is a Kenyan case of study,

though can be also helpful to other nations who may borrow this idea.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Journalists have a major role to play when it comes to governance issues. Journalism is a

powerful tool and when used correctly it can be used to control the way politicians exploit the

common citizen. They can inform people on emerging issues giving more researched and

investigated information about governance, a good example is the ‘Jicho Pevu programme’ that

airs on Kenya Television Network (KTN).

Journalists work is to educate, entertain, inform, warn the public about motions, Bills and plans

Members of Parliament (MP’s), Senators, Cabinet secretaries or Governors are planning to pass

with intention to take advantage of their position to manipulate resources for personal gains.

This in turn gives citizens room to protest renouncing the agenda as away to evade them.

In this research, we are going to discuss about the role of journalists in good governance giving

more detailed information about journalism industry: journalism history, defining their

respective roles, types of journalists, roles and importance of journalists, challenges journalists

face, classifications of journalists, protection of journalists, journalists’ policies and legislation

and much more regarding to the role of journalists in good governance in Kenya.

2.2 History of Journalism

The word journal comes from a Latin word ‘diurnas’ meaning’ belonging to the day’. A

journalist is the person who reports news day to day. They could be reporters, writer, editor,

photographer, commentator or the person who keeps a journal or diary of the day’s events

Journalism is a method of inquiry and literary style used in social and cultural representation. It

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serves the purpose of playing the role of public service machinery in the dissemination and

analysis of news and information.

Literacy started in Kenya following the arrival of Protestant missionaries nearly a century and a

half ago. The new Christian converts were taught on how to primarily write, read the bible and

other religious literature for themselves. In the beginning, the press in Africa was a European

creation; African nationalists adapted the press very much to their struggle. By 1952 it is

reported that Kenya had nearly 50 newspapers. Most of these publications were essays that

agitated for freedom instead of news. With the coming of independence, all these papers folded

up. Currently the print media can be divided into four sectors: the regular daily newspapers, the

magazines, the regional newspapers and the printed sheets (Gutter press).

The Standard is one of the largest newspapers in Kenya with a 30% market share and the oldest

mass circulating newspaper which was founded in 1902 by Parsee Migrant, A.M. Jeevanjee. The

Standard newspapers catered for civil servants and the business community especially the British

settlers and the Indians who were brought to work on the construction of the railway line from

the Coast to the interior to open up the countryside for settlement. The European press began two

years later when Jeevanjee sold his interests to the partnership of Mayer and Anderson who

renamed it East African Standard. The Standard became the largest and most influential

publication in colonial publication in Colonial East Africa. Over the years the Standard changed

hands until Lonrho acquired it in 1967.

Following Tiny Rowland’s death in the mid 1990’s and the reorganization at the Lonrho

headquarters in London, The Standard was once again sold to a group of Kenyan political

businessmen who then gained control also of the television channel Kenya Television Network

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(KTN). In 2004 the name was changed back to The Standard. It is the main rival to Kenya's

largest newspaper, the Daily Nation. In 1989, at a time when Kenya was going into multi-party

era, the Standard Group acquired the KTN Television Channel. It is the oldest newspaper

published in Kenya. A bout Nation newspapers will be read as the history of Nation Media

Group unfolds.

2.3 Types of Journalists

2.3.1 Investigative journalism

It refers to the in depth long term research and reporting of new information that an individual or

organization wants to keep secret, especially on governance issues. The legal regime that

includes laws, constitution and statutes is very prohibiting. Investigative Journalism aims to

uncover the truth about a particular subject, person or event. It is mainly based on the basic

principle underlying all journalism verification and accurate presentation of facts investigative

reporters must often work with uncooperative or recalcitrant sources who do not wish to divulge

information.

To get deeper information about whether the government is doing its work as stipulated in the

constitution, it’s the investigative journalists who uncover the incompetence. There have been

cases where journalists have been mistreated, manhandled, threatened, it’s these investigative

journalists who dig deeper to bring the picture out.

2.3.2 News journalism

News journalism relays facts, events, governance and information to the society in a straight

forward, accurate and in unbiased manner. Facts are relayed without flourishes or interpretation.

A typical news story often constitutes a headline with just enough explanation to orient the

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reader. News stories lack the depth of a feature story or the questioning approach of an

investigative story. It’s in the news story that the world hears about the governance issues. The

confrontations between the ruling party and the opposition are the ones that help the common

citizen know and understand on governance issues.

2.3.3 Commentator journalism

These journalists inform the public through the media about events in various areas providing

professional commentaries on these events. some journalists may work on providing

commentaries on events where the basic information which was required by another person,

others send in reports directly from the scène, others provide their commentaries or reports

verbally either on radio or television while others by writing in magazines and newspapers. They

gather up to date information on events at home or abroad in politics, governance, the economic

sphere, culture, sports and social life according to the special interest of a particular editor.

They include direct visits to places where these events are happening and carrying out interviews

with people involved and eye witnesses. Those involved in editing or sub editing may spend

more time receiving reports from correspondents and other co workers, classifying, analyzing

and processing the information sent in. Other tasks include providing commentaries on events for

television or radio stations, broadcasting from recording studios or directly from the sites of the

events, compiling commentaries on these events and presenting them on television or radio

broadcasting. Commentaries can be on sport matches, races and competitions, cultural and social

events. Commentaries are done in broadcasting studios and editorial offices or sometimes

directly in the fields, meeting and congress halls, city streets, in the open air, in sport stadiums

and the sites of demonstrations.

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2.3.4 Columns journalism

Columns are based primarily on the personality of the author allowing him or her to write about

subjects in a personal style. Column writers can take a humorous approach or specialize in a

particular subject area or topic. It’s important for columnists to develop their own voice that is

recognized by their readership. Columnists can interpret events or issues hindering good

governance or write about their own personal experiences or thoughts. Columns are published

weekly.

2.3.5 Feature writing Journalism

They provide scope, depth and interpretation of trends, events, topics or people. Feature is aimed

to thoroughly explore a topic by conducting interviews with numerous experts or the key people

involved offering a previously unseen perspective on an event, issue or person. Most of the

journalistic work is usually displayed in feature writings especially on governance. Features have

the highest word count of all journalism types and commonly win prestigious awards after

managing to achieve its goal.

2.3.6 Review Journalism

Reviews are partly opinion and partly fact based. Reviews accurately describe or identify the

subject being reviewed as well as providing an intelligent and informed opinion of the subject

based on the research experience. Most reviews reflects on governance, throwing much weight

behind the opposition side to put the ruling one on the toes in service delivery.

2.4 Roles of Journalists in good governance in Kenya

Journalists play major roles in enhancing good governance both locally and internationally.

Without journalists, there won’t be current affairs and that no one will know what is going on or

taking place and where. The truth will never be revealed to the community, globally we will

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never get the right information as they take place and instead there will be a lot of propaganda

and hidden information. The role of media is very important for the proper functioning of

democracy. According to Ankit (2009) article, it’s often referred to as the forth pillar of

democracy. The freedom of speech and expression is exercised by the media. By promoting

democratic values in the society and by criticizing the imperfections and shortcomings in the

policies. It helps to form a public opinion around the important topics.

According to the presentation by Madi Jobarteh (2012) at the World Press Freedom Day

symposium at Tango conference hall on the point for freedom and democracy said governance is

a system of institutions, laws, policies and processes that ensure transparency, accountability,

popular participation and the adherence to the rule of law in society at all levels by all.

Governance is a system that rests on the respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights of

citizens. According to Madi Jobarteh, human rights entail social, economic and cultural rights

which for many others are even more crucial because they deal with the material or physical

needs of human beings like food, water, education, health care, clean environment among others.

Good governance, according to UNDP (1997) Reconceptualising Governance , Discussion paper

2, New York Ibid, is about processes as well as outcomes; processes that are participatory,

transparent, accountable, and efficient, and that involve the private sector and civil society as

well as the state.

Good governance is also important for development, and considerable empirical evidence now

points in that direction.

On August 4th 2010, Kenyans went into a plebiscite to choose between a New Constitution for

posterity or retention of the 47 year old Lancaster Constitution for an indefinite period. Hundreds

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of journalists were in Kenya to cover the campaign rallies for the two main camps-the Greens

and the Reds. The media highlighted arguments of both the competing sides and sometimes and

fairly so castigated any camp that peddled lies to win votes. The media in turn organized itself to

do two things: to cover the voting, tallying and announcement of results by the Interim

Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) on the one hand and to run a parallel tallying and

announcement of results on the other.

This was to ensure that just in case the IIEC went mute and emerged to announce results that

could jolt Kenyans into spontaneous violence again as it happened in Dec 2007 when the Kenya

Broadcasting Corporation exclusively announced the winner, they will have some say. This

clearly explains why media are usually referred to as watchdogs.

According to Norris, P (2006) The Role of the free press in promoting democratization, good

governance and human development, UNESCO, New York. the media has three key roles in

contributing to democratization and good governance: as a watchdog over the powerful,

promoting accountability, transparency and public scrutiny; as a civic forum for political debate,

facilitating informed electoral choices and actions; and as an agenda-setter for policy makers,

strengthening government responsiveness for instance to social problems and to exclusion.

The media forces policy makers and officials to be more prudent about their decisions and

activities that affect the livelihood of the people and the development of the society as a whole.

The media focus is usually on transparency, corruption and accountability which have been the

main challenges and issues of concern making policy makers to be responsible for everything

that they do before being brought to attention. The disclosure of government information by the

media turns the people into informed citizens encouraging them to exercise their right to know

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which is imperative when they are to make choices regarding their participation in political socio

economic affairs.

The popular categories of media are Print media, Radio broadcast, Television and internet

medium being the latest. The radio broadcast medium is very popular in the rural areas making

journalists work more effective in illuminating and enhancing good governance as they update,

inform, sensitize and educate the public among other roles on current affairs. Some of the roles

of journalists in good governance are:

2.4.1 Watchdog role

According to the Collins English Dictionary, a watchdog is a person or group of persons that acts

as a protector or guardian against in efficiency, illegal practices. Watchdog journalism is a highly

effective mechanism of external control on corruption. As watchdogs, journalists keep the

government on check to account for every step they make while at the same time report to the

public. The public is usually updated on every move in order to also monitor and make their own

deductions and report any findings hence encouraging community journalism. As watch dogs the

journalists write as well as report to the nation the governance pattern.

In performing the watchdog role, the media can check government and other agencies adherence

to corporate governance standards to ensure transparency, accountability and scrutiny of the

decisions and actions of those in power by highlighting scandals, maladministration, corruption,

policy failures etc. The media thus has a role to check on state abuse of power.

2.4.2 Agenda setting role

Media can raise awareness on social problems informing elected officials about public concerns

and needs. This provides opportunities for people to articulate their concerns and ideas to one

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another and to government, a role that is particularly important for poor and marginalized

groups. Thus media have the potential not simply to influence government agendas, but to

reinforce the overall capacity of society to constitute political discussion and debate, and to

enhance the participation of people, including marginalized groups, in the process of governance.

But over time and in the right circumstances, the media can also help to build the practices and

culture of democracy and good governance within society as a whole.

Citizens need access to the means of communication and voice in order, also, to be able to speak

with one another, to discuss their conditions and aspirations, and to develop the capacity for

engagement and for action to improve access to services and rights under the law. The approach

values local knowledge, it respects local cultures, and it puts people in control of the means and

content of communication processes. In thus doing this the media promotes good governance.

2.4.3 Voice to the voiceless role

In our society, the voiceless are the poor, those who usually are in the dark without a glimpse of

what is happening around them or those who are being oppressed but have no one to listen to

their tales and frustrations. They are ones who are taken advantage of. This so empowers them

while simultaneously nudging officials to take action to improve the lot of the undeserved.

Journalists make follow ups on politicians to ensure what they promised during their campaigns

are being implemented. Journalism on the other hand also keeps an eye on the government and

civil servants to ensure they are delivering to the common mwananchi.

They monitor politicians closely at times without their knowledge with in mind corruption;

tribalism doesn’t take root in the counties and the national government. The articles they write

are majorly to either congratulate the performing ones and exposing the lazy or arrogant ones to

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enhance better and proper leadership is observed. They also monitor speeches made at different

places and occasions to ensure the right message reaches the ears of citizens for peace, love and

unity.

2.4.4 To give humor/ entertainment role

Political cartoons with the satires, human interest’s stories, commentaries with witty statements

on the subject being written about can amuse us as we read the newspapers or magazines. These

comics in the paper have quite a following. Crossword puzzles and other daily articles are the

main reasons most people keep reading the papers. As the cartoons are drawn they too carry deep

message on politics that communicates to whoever reads them informing the public on what is

taking place as well as exposing the politicians tricks which. This boosts input on good

governance for they would like to prove the cartoons wrong.

2.4.5 Educating role

To perform the monitoring duty as a mirror of the society, the media plays an important role in

educating the people about the information act and good governance. The news and investigative

reports on state performances require insightful information which might have been branded in

the past by officials as confidential.

2.4.6 Democracy role

The role of media is very important for the proper functioning of democracy. The freedom of

speech and expression is exercised by the media by promoting democratic values in the society

and by criticizing the imperfections and shortcomings in the policies. It helps to form a public

opinion around the important topics.

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2.5 Challenges journalists face in enhancing good governance

An inadequate legal, policy and regulatory framework is at the root of the challenges facing

journalism and media training in Kenya. The Media Act 2007 mandated the MCK to improve

professionalism in the media. MCK has initiated processes to engage media training institutions

in standardizing courses and providing quality control mechanisms.

Government hostility towards media houses is legendary in Kenya. Armed security agents raided

The Standard and KTN in March 2006 because they had “rattled a snake”. First Lady Lucy

Kibaki stormed the NMG’s newsroom, harassed journalists and slapped TV cameraman Clifford

Derrick Otieno in May 2005. (The Standard and KTN, March 2008)

In a report released by the Hivos on safety and protection of journalists in Kenya (2013) revealed

that most journalists work under managers who are not trained journalists and in some extreme

cases take instructions from unethical editors who maintain alliances with news sources

including politicians: In such cases, journalists can never deliver for good governance. The same

report revealed media houses lack the resolve and will to investigate violations committed

against their reporters. It’s futile to expect the authorities to investigate attacks on journalists

when the perpetrators are public figures. This hinders journalists from delivering to the public

leading to poor governance.

According to Dictor’s blog (2010) when it comes to investigative journalism, it requires a lot of

funding due to its resource intensive. Only a few media houses are willing to finance journalists

to carry out the simplest of the stories. Lack of witness protection policy in the country makes it

harder for journalists to access information. They are forced to hide or blur witness faces making

the story incredible.

17

According to Anothai Udomslip (2014), achieving good governance requires the understanding

and participation of every member of the society. The media, their roles, channels and content

are considered powerful enough to make this achievement a reality. But a good number of

existing media channels and the content they deliver cannot take up this responsibility

adequately because they are not accessible or affordable for all. There must be channels which

serve the right to know of the right to know of the people and the interest of the public, without

any control either by the state or commercial entities.

The pay journalists receive is lower to cater for their needs at the same time some investigative

jobs may take months to compile making it hard to be productive without proper financial boost.

This at times forces them to either abandon the investigative assignment pre- maturely or even be

bribed out by the involved person (s) which terminates their mission from accomplishment. In

case journalists can be well paid, then temptations of having to rely on handouts from politicians

to drop investigative jobs implicating them will be done away with.

This is the same case that made Mohammed Ali an investigative journalist quit and return to

Kenya Television Network (KTN). His investigation story wasn’t aired as he had sampled it,

some crucial and important parts were left out i.e. were not aired. Many other journalists from

NMG seeing this decided to move out of Nation Media Group to search for greener pastures

where they can get the required protection.

A UNESCO publication on Media and Governance (2005) clearly reveals what the media should

be and should have in order to perform their duty effectively i.e they should be independent and

pluralistic. They should be free from any kind of influence particularly political or commercial

control. The media too should be equipped with the necessary investigative capacity to bring out

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the truth to the public in fulfilling their function in promoting good governance. According to

UNESCO publication on Media and Governance (2005), most journalists are not professionally

trained in gathering and analyzing information. They need the infrastructure and organizational

capacity to sustain an economically viable operation. Without adequate investigative capacity,

the media finds it hard to satisfactorily accomplish the promotion of good governance.

Jeff Omondi {2013}exposed that, NTV journalist Dennis Okari was threatened by one self

proclaimed Prophetess Lucy Nduta and son Victor Kanyari just two days after the explosive

feature “seeds of sin” that aired live on Nation Television this year exposing the rogue pastors in

town stealing from the public in the name of the Lord. The investigation revealed how he conned

the common citizens of seeds like sending Kshs 310, Kshs 510 and Kshs. 777. These threats

were never taken seriously by the government and administration leaving journalists to live in

great fear for their dear lives.

According to Brigid Chemweno (2013) article, Linus Kaikai a journalist with NMG was

kidnapped by unknown people on a mission not well understood to date. Linus was kidnapped at

his gate in Ongata Rongai in the evening of 26th September 2013 while waiting for it to be

opened. Kidnappers drove him around for hours then sensing danger owing to the fact that he

had disappeared mysteriously before the opening of the gate, they later abandoned him about

300meters from his gate, stole his mobile phone and cash money. Investigations to know the real

motives of the kidnapping to date have never been released. This in turn leaves an answered

question as to whether his reporting and putting the government on the spot had something to do

with this. It ends up threatening journalists from effectively handling their respective

responsibilities.

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According to Ferdinand Omondi, a journalist with NTV, another Televangelist Apostle Michael

Njoroge whose case was aired live on NTV of paying prostitutes to pretend of having been

healed: together with charged congregation and a section of the church elders threatened NTV

journalists who had attended a Sunday service. Allegations of paying the commercial sex worker

by the Apostle were supported later by a woman who claimed to be the legitimate wife exposing

the apostle as a fraud. Still this case remains pending even after journalists exposed the scandal.

No one has intervened in the investigation results, meaning this are a result of poor governance

even with evidence being placed on a plate for their steps to be taken. In addition, Samuel

Karanja and George Kimani who are journalists were threatened by the Muranga governor Hon.

Mwangi wa Iria who had reported on complaints raised by the area residents regarding the

suspicious and improper use of government vehicles in the county.

According to Victor Bwire (2013) article concerning research released by the Media Council of

Kenya titled “Safety and protection of Kenyan journalists: it is common sense or common cents”

that was commissioned by the Working Group on the media on marking World Press Freedom

Day, showed 70 percent of journalists aren’t satisfied with the level of security guaranteed to

them by their media houses. It was resolved that if something is not done in time, the harassment

of journalists will become the norm and lead to self-censorship and eventually thwart the spirit of

media freedom and freedom of expression.

2.6 How Journalists can avoid conflicts in their day to day duties

According to Pieter J Fourie Media studies 2nd Edition, the independence of the media should be

emphasized in terms of the Medias social responsibility in regard to supporting democratic

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political principles; the media are under an obligation to fulfill their social functions especially

with the regard to the transmission of information and creation of a forum for different

viewpoints. The independence of the media should be emphasized in terms the Medias social

responsibilities.

According to Ms Petra Stammen (2012) courtesy of Union of Catholic Africa Press

(UCAP) workshop in Mombasa, journalists should uphold the spirit of networking for strong

Africa network communicators as an excellent way to foster involvement in communication as

well as to provide better services to Africa and from Africa to the rest of the world. Networking

is very important as it allows for combine effort, which is greater than the sum of separate

initiatives.

Mr. Joseph Warungu, a veteran journalist with the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) for

more than 20 years, advices journalists to learn and investigate issues before giving it to the

public. Journalists should also expose evil by highlighting solutions as well as celebrating the

champions of peace. In case a solution won’t be given, then whatever is highlighted won’t have a

meaning or impact. Most conflict journalists face is as a result of no evidence, with

investigations, evidence must be present to pin the culprits down at the same time enhancing

better governance.

According to Manasseh Yusuf, an investigative journalist at Safari Africa Radio, journalists

should look for more sources of information to a story than writing from one perspective. They

should let the source give the details rather than the author (journalist) narrating the story, this

many a time looks like the journalist own ideas. This helps for accounting purposes. They should

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quote the source of information; this will help to reduce conflicts. It is also ethical for journalists

to conduct a survey and proper research before publishing any article with concrete evidence.

As journalists move on, they should try to revisit earlier told stories, highlighting the progress

made to this far or the steps undertaken by the government. A good example will be the case of

illicit brew “Countryman” that claimed over 90 people in Meru, Kitui and Makueni counties due

to methanol in the month on May 2014. In case journalists can revisit this story after a certain

period, then the government will be tasked to deliver on their promises boosting vision 2030.

Discussed below are some of the ways journalists can avoid such conflicts:

2.6.1 Journalism Ethics and Standards

Journalism ethics and standards comprise principles of ethics and of good practice as applicable

to the specific challenges faced by journalists. This can also be termed as Journalists code of

ethics or the canons of journalism. These principles are designed as guides through numerous

difficulties such as conflict of interest to assist in dealing with ethical dilemmas. If this standards,

ethics and principles can be followed closely by journalists, then certain conflicts we face can be

minimized.

This codes and canons provide journalists with a frame work for self monitoring and self

correction. Some common elements in journalism code of ethics include:

a) Accuracy and standards for factual reporting.

b) Slander and liberal considerations

c) Harm limitation principle

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2.6.1.1 Accuracy and standards for factual reporting

Reporters are expected to be as accurate as possible given the time allotted to a story preparation

and the space available and to seek reliable sources. Opinion surveys and statistical information

deserve special treatment to communicate in precise terms, any conclusions to contextualize the

results and to specify accuracy including estimated error and methodological criticism or flaws.

Events with a single eyewitness are to be reported with attribution while events with two or more

independent eyewitnesses may be reported as fact.

Controversial facts are reported with attribution. Defendants at trial are treated only as having

allegedly committed crimes until conviction, when their crimes are generally reported as facts

unless there is serious controversy about wrongful conviction.

2.6.1.2 Slander and libel considerations

Reporting the truth is almost never libel which makes accuracy very important. Private persons

have privacy rights that must be balanced against the public interest in reporting information

about them. Public figures have fewer privacy rights in the United States law, where reporters

are immune from a civil case if they have reported without malice. In Canada, there is such

immunity; reports on public figures must be backed by facts.

2.6.1.3 Harm limitation principles

During the normal course of an assignment a reporter might go about gathering facts and details,

conducting interviews, doing research, background checks, taking photos, videotaping, sound

recording, harm limitation deals with the questions of whether everything learned should be

reported and if so, how?

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This principle of limitation means that some weight needs to be given to the negative

consequences of full disclosure, creating a practical and ethical dilemma. The society of

professional journalist’s code of ethics offers the following advice which is representative of the

practical ideals of most professional journalists.

2.6.2 Journalism policies and regulation

The Media Council of Kenya is the leading institution who plays a major role in the regulation of

media, the conduct and discipline of journalists in Kenya. Their main core values and principles

for journalists to adhere to while conducting their various roles are: integrity, Independence,

Professionalism, transparency and accountability.

The MCK also provide tailor made for media practitioners on the code of conduct for the

practice of Journalism, public affairs, governance, elections, health, business, extractive

industries constitutionalism, safety and protection of journalists, trauma counseling and

emotional self care, investigative reporting and conflict sensitive reporting. MCK also accredits

journalists, give excellence media awards, conduct media literacy, conduct arbitration as well as

media monitoring.

2.6.3 Journalism legislation and services

In case the MCK can play their roles in regulating some content that media airs, then some

conflicts will as well be dealt with blocking rifts with governance of the nation. Kenyan media is

regulated by the Media Council of Kenya, an independent national institution established by the

media Act, 2007. The main roles they play include:

i. Disciplining journalists.

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ii. Registering and accrediting journalists.

iii. Registering media establishments.

iv. Handling complaints from the public.

v. Creating and publishing yearly media docket on media freedom in Kenya.

In practice of journalism the below should be put into deep consideration;

a) Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use

special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

b) Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by the

tragedy or grief.

c) Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort.

Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

d) Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about

themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention.

Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

e) Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

f) Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

g) Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

h) Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

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2.7 Strategies Journalists have to employ to mitigate challenges in delivering good

governance

2.7.1 Protections of Journalists

There is need for the government to set up a National Training Institute for the safety of

Journalists and media workers. The media houses should also contribute and make it mandatory

for every journalist and media worker to get basic safety training. If the government sets up such

an institute and invites local as well as international trainers, it would certainly help minimize the

risk factor. They should also get the training from ex-army officers particularly for working in

conflict areas. Professional trainings are also required, instructing journalists on how they should

go about to report safely from a conflict zone.

Journalists require protection and teachings especially on how to handle and report news related

to terror attacks. Most journalists are not prepared nor do they have knowledge of handling such

news hence exposing the security of the nation at the same time theirs to terrorists. This can be

observed from Westgate’s attack last year that left many scores dead. Security and media

relations during such operations need to be coordinated and improved. It's time newsrooms

worked on security support structures for the journalists, for the security agencies cannot be

trusted to always extend help.

With no briefs from editors, reporters were reduced to conveyor belts of misinformation that

lacked in credibility and objectivity. According to Editors Nyongesa Wellington and Dominic

Wabala (2013) suggestions reflecting back on Westgate terror attack, security and media

relations during such operations should be coordinated and improved. It is time newsrooms

worked on security support structures for the journalists, for it is hard journalists to trust the

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security agencies for help, some of the reporters were traumatized and shocked and received no

counseling after the incident of Westgate attack.

2.7.2 Journalists appraisals

This is usually conducted by the Media Council of Kenya in the month of May every year. This

should be done in order to recognize and award excellence in journalism, encouraging

professionalism in the practice of journalism as provided for by the code of conduct for the

practice of journalism in realization of vision 2030.

This in turn motivates media practitioners to up hold standards of excellence as well as aspiring

journalists on the standards to embrace in pursuit of their career. It also challenges journalists to

achieve the highest standards of ethics in the profession and the entire practice of journalism.

This also helps in creating awareness and publicizing the work of the Media Council of Kenya

and its partners inspire journalists toward contributing significantly to the media profession as

well as recognizing and acknowledging media practitioners who have demonstrated high

standards in their works.

2.8 Case study of Nation Media Group

2.8.1 NMG Background Information

2.8.1.1 NMG History

The Company was incorporated on 30th March 1962 as a holding company for East African

Newspapers (Nation Series) limited which had acquired the Taifa newspaper title in 1959, a

weekly publication in Kiswahili. Thereafter, other newspaper titles were launched namely, the

Daily Nation, The East African and the Business Daily.

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Radio and television broadcasting stations were also launched. In 1973, His Highness the Aga

Khan, who was the founder and sole proprietor of the Company, offered for sale 40% of the

issued share capital of the Company on the NSE. In 1988, the Aga Khan sold a further 30% of

the issued share capital of the Company on the NSE. Finally, in 2003 the Aga Khan transferred

his remaining shares, which were registered in his personal name, to The Aga Khan Fund for

Economic Development, a Company registered in Switzerland.

NMG is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa. It has been quoted on

the NSE since 1973. As the leading multi-media house in the East African region, it has print,

broadcasting and the Internet operations which attract regular readership and viewership, which

is unparalleled in the region.

2.8.1.2 NMG Vision

To be the Media of Africa for Africa

2.8.1.3 NMG Mission

To create value for our stakeholders and positively influence society by providing media that

informs, educates and entertains.

2.8.1.4 NMG Values

i. Community Development: Providing leadership for social good

ii. Integrity: To be honest, open and sincere

iii. Individual Initiative: Taking proactive steps to drive performance

iv. Customer Focus: Exceeding customer expectation and adding value to business

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v. Team work performance: Working with and support colleagues to raise overall

performance

vi. People development: Realizing employee potential through training and development

vii. Mutual trust respect: Treating each other with respect and dignity and earning trust

viii. Commitment: Being accountable and doing what we say

2.8.3 Operations of NMG

The Company operates its business through subsidiary companies and divisions. Nation Media

Group Companies & Divisions: Ownership by NMG include; Nation Holding Tanzania Ltd

100%, Africa Broadcasting Uganda Ltd 100%, Nation Marketing & Publishing Ltd 100%, and

Mwananchi Communications Ltd 100%, Monitor Publications Ltd 76.7%.

Nation Newspapers Division, which is based in Kenya prints and publishes the Daily Nation, the

leading national newspaper, Taifa Leo, the only national Kiswahili newspaper, The East African,

the only regional newspaper and the Business Daily, an authoritative business newspaper. The

Division operates a state of the art printing press which is located on owner occupied premises in

the Nairobi industrial area. Monitor Publications Limited which is based in Kampala, Uganda

prints and publishes the Daily Monitor, the leading independent newspaper in Uganda, My

Wedding magazine and the Monitor Telephone Directory and also operates KFM: a popular

radio station broadcasting in Kampala.

The Company is based in the Industrial area of Kampala in owner-occupied premises.

Mwananchi Communications Limited which is based in Dares Salaam, Tanzania prints and

publishes the Mwananchi, the leading Kiswahili newspaper, Mwanaspoti, a twice weekly sports

publication and The Citizen, a national English language newspaper.

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The Company commissioned a new printing press in December 2009 and is located in Dar es

Salaam in premises owned by Nation Holding Tanzania Limited, a Group subsidiary company.

Nation Broadcasting Division is the broadcasting arm of the Group in Kenya. It consists of three

television stations, namely NTV, QTV and e-Africa which have a mixture of local and foreign

programming that is informative, educative and entertaining and two radio stations, namely Easy

FM which is the leading national English language radio station and QFM, which broadcasts

nationally in Kiswahili and which in addition to playing music, engage listeners to discuss

current topical issues.

Africa Broadcasting Uganda Limited is the Group’s licensed television broadcaster in Uganda,

whose station’s sign is NTV. The television station airs a mixture of local and foreign

programming and was ranked by Synovate (2012) as the most viewed television station in

Uganda with a 40 percent national market share (according to Daily monitor July 25 2012).

Nation Carriers Division is the transport arm of the Company and operates a fleet of motor

vehicles which are used for transporting the Company’s newspapers and courier parcels for third

parties all around Kenya ensuring timely market arrivals of the publications and parcels.

Nation Digital Division was launched to spearhead the Group’s entry into the digital media

sphere. Currently readers can access the E-papers which have the exact content as the physical

newspapers. The www.nation.co.ke website has 600,000unique registered visitors to the website

and receives more than 2.5 million visits in a month, with 11 million page views per month. The

Nation mobile service provides breaking news and information to mobile phone subscribers

which are charged for at a premium cost.

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Nation Marketing & Publishing Limited is the authorized distributor for various prominent

international magazine titles such as the Time, Newsweek, Economist, and Fortune. The

Company is exploring new business opportunities in Rwanda and Southern Sudan in the print,

broadcasting and digital media spheres.

2.8.4 The role of Nation Media Group in enhancing good Governance

NMG positively influences the society by providing media that informs, educates and entertains.

As a business they too provide jobs, develop skills in people and create wealth for their

employees, investors, customers and suppliers. As a trusted and respected company, the region

benefits from their presence. Having greater success in their performance, comes more reward

for those with a stake in the business and a greater positive impact on the economies of East

Africa.

NMG involves citizen’s participation in their programmes to facilitate good governance. For

example every Thursday night starting from 8:00pm to 9:00pm on Q-TV they analyze current

affairs calling in political analysts and at times influential politicians to shed more light on issues

affecting citizens and the way forward. Citizens call in while others use the social media

platform to ask questions as well as send in their contributions. Like this, the government hears

what its citizens expect from them and as such promoting good governance.

Just before the last general elections, NTV moved across the 47 counties with a governors debate

moderated by Linus Kaikai, bringing aspirants vying for Governors post seated in a forum to

debate on how they will serve incase elected.

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NMG encourages management involvement in the community activities safeguarding our

environment like clean ups, feeding the less fortunate as well as planting of trees to facilitate and

maintain good water catchments, through volunteerism and participation of both NMG staff and

the community at large. NMG is deeply rooted in sustaining of the ecosystem. This has attracted

the government to get involved too hence fostering good governance.

The range of project initiatives and creativity displayed by various departments of NMG has

been epic to say the least. They had projects in October 2010 that provided funding for the

release of poor women confined at Pumwani Maternity Hospital for non-payment of various

hospital fees, rehabilitation of slum schools, presentation of mosquito nets, cancer screening for

women in the rural areas, provision of essential facilities for children’s homes across the country,

provision of comprehensive medical care for Kibagare Slum residents in Loresho, restoration of

the Nairobi National Park, blood drives in Nairobi, Kampala, Mombasa and Kisumu among

many others. With all these in mind the media house stepped in to do what the government

couldn’t do hence giving the government easy time to concentrate on other constructive issues

and tasks. In this way NMG helps in fighting poverty a challenge in good governance.

These governments earn revenue through tax remittance on goods and services provided in the

community in which NMG operates. This enhances economic growth as well as the well being of

citizens. The government cannot operate without revenue, the taxes the company gives in huge

millions helps to boost the good governance of Kenya. As part of good governance, NMG

encourages supplier companies on which they depend to work towards the same corporate

citizenship standards.

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The Nation Media Group Pink Project is a breast cancer awareness campaign geared at educating

and informing Kenyans on the disease. It is primarily an outreach program that seeks to facilitate

breast health care to the women in the rural areas who may not have a chance to get regular

breast checks and treatment for this disease. The primary purpose of the camps was to help

individuals and the target communities to develop knowledge, skills and motivation to take

charge of their health. The medical camp’s activities included screening and treatment for

diseases, family planning services, cervical cancer screening, immunization of expectant mothers

and children under the age of five years, donation of treated mosquito nets, nutritional

counseling, health education and environmental clean-up.

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter describes the specific strategies and the entire process of planning that was used in

data collection and analysis in order to answer the research questions. It focuses on research

design, the target population, sample size, sampling procedures, and data collection analysis

procedures that were used in the study.

3.2 Research design

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Quantitative analysis was also

used to analyze data in establishing the number of journalists who have been threatened in their

line of duty. The survey information was collected by interviewing journalists on the spot. The

study design was used to determine the roles of journalists in Nairobi on good governance.

3.3 Study Locale

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. Nairobi comes from the Maasai phrase

“Enkare Nyrobi” which translates to “cold water”. It has an area of 268.7 sq miles (696 km²).

Nairobi was founded in 1899 and has a population of 3.138 million according to year 2009

statistics. It is the centre for Kenya’s extensive bus network with many bus companies operating

to and from destinations throughout the country with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

(JKIA) and Wilson Airport having continuous arrivals and departure; a busy city in the making.

Nairobi was chosen as study location owing to the fact it’s the central place where most media

houses broadcasting throughout the nation are situated, this gives Nairobi an upper hand in

collecting information about journalists role in good governance.

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3.4 Target population and sample size

Getting the appropriate number of journalists in Nairobi isn’t an easy task owing to the fact most

of them haven’t been accredited by MCK or renewed their membership, while many are

graduating from different colleges and haven’t been recognized by the council. The study took

place randomly with most of the journalists coming from Nation media Group.

3.5 Sampling Techniques

In choosing the sample size, simple random sampling was used to determine the challenges

journalists go through in ascertaining good governance in Kenya. This involved a comprehensive

review of relevant literature, journals, newspapers, case reviews and the internet to get to the

main roots of journalists role in good governance. The opinions presented in the articles across

the nation and worldwide were well scrutinized to bring the point home. Information that could

lead to good governance with journalists inclusion were considered vital and appropriate to bring

to light what was hidden from the common citizen, and that it takes the journalists to excavate to

bring it out with back up information from Article 19, Africa Media Initiative (AMI) and Media

Council of Kenya (MCK).

3.6 Data Collection Procedures

The researcher made an appointment with the proposed participants to enlighten them on the

study. Then the respondents were given their letters of informed consent one (1) week prior to

collection of data as indicated in the time schedule of the study. The letters were hand delivered

by the researcher to ensure that they were delivered on time. The questionnaires were collected

immediately after being filled.

The research assistants were well trained on the purpose and objectives of the study to enable

them detect any inconsistencies in the data collected. The questionnaires were handed out to the

35

participants who consented to take part in the study and respondents were required to fill out the

questionnaires as per the instructions. As the questionnaires contained both closed and open-

ended items, the respondents were encouraged to reply at length and satisfactorily, and tick

appropriately where appropriate.

3.7 Data collection tools

The primary instrument used in collecting data was questionnaires. A questionnaire was used to

gather the relevant information for the research project. Nairobi being a busy town, quick

interviews were to be administered for those who didn’t have time to sit and answer. The sample

of questions for the interviews was meant to answer the research questions of the study. These

questions were answered on the spot then given back according to their scope of understanding.

These instruments were used in order to gather comprehensive data as well as to ensure the

validity of the findings.

3.7.1 Questionnaires

The questionnaire was the main primary data collection tools used to obtain important

information for the study. They contained carefully selected and documented questions and were

administered to the identified population sample size. They were constructed to pose essential

questions which required a minimum amount of time to complete and permitted rapid tabulation

of statistical results.

A good number of journalists responded to my questionnaire and gave me the additional

information for facilitation of my research project. All these journalists are from our capital city

Nairobi some working with different media houses while others as freelance. There are four

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main methods of research namely questionnaire, interviews, documentary sources and

observation. In order to make my research work more effective, I had to employ all the three.

3.7.2 In depth interviews

To get the appropriate content for the research, qualitative analysis was involved where I was in

a good position to interview a few number of journalists from various media houses. These

included Nation Media Group (NMG), Kenya Television Network (KTN) and Safari Africa

Radio (SAR).

3.8 Validity of Instruments

Validity is the degree to which a test or instrument measures what it is intended to measure. To

ensure content validity, the questionnaires contained questions pertaining to the problem under

study and addressed all the variables in the study.

3.9 Reliability of Instruments

Reliability of the instruments is aimed at maintaining their stability and consistency, which is the

same instrument when used repeatedly, should yield stable and consistent results. To ensure

reliability of the questionnaires, it was subjected to a test-retest procedure during the pilot study

to determine whether it yielded the same responses, hence test-retest reliability.

3.10 Ethical Considerations

To participate in the study was on voluntary basis, where by the respondents were required to

give informed consent before inclusion in the study. To get the consent, the respondents were

37

required to read the consent letter and append their signature if they agreed to the contents

therein, before being included to take part in the study. The respondents were informed that all

the information provided would be treated with confidentiality and their personal information

kept anonymous, as indicated in the consent letter. Respondents were instructed not to include

their names anywhere on the questionnaires, hence remaining anonymous.

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CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter provides the details, findings and results on journalist’s role in good governance in

Kenya among practicing journalists in Nairobi the capital city.

4.2 Data collection

This chapter provides the details, findings and results on the good governance and the way

journalists are hindered from playing their respective role in good governance in Kenya the data

methods used are questionnaires. Survey was used so as to give people time of answering the

questions perfectly.

4.3 Demographic characteristics of the study respondents

4.3.1 Gender distribution

There were 67 eligible respondents whose data were analyzed in this study. There were (70%)

male participants and (30%) female participants in the study as shown below in figure1 titled

Genders of Journalists interviewed.

4.3.2 Educational level

The most prevalent level of education among the participants in this study was Diploma college

education, 42 (64%), while 24 (36%) had attained University education as shown in figure 2

titled interviewed journalist’s educational level.

39

70%

30%

Genders of journalists interviewed

Male Female

Figure 1: Respondents gender

40

64%

36%

Interviewed journalists' educational level

DiplomaDegree

Figure

2: Respondents educational level

4.3.3 Academic qualifications

As shown from the bar graph below in figure 3, the academic qualifications of interviewed

journalists were diploma and Degree. There were 42 (64%) participants with diploma and 24

(36%) with Bachelors degree.

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Degree Diploma0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

36%

64%

Figure 3: Respondents academic qualifications

4.3.4 Respondents work experience

Overall, close to one third of the participants, 44 (66%), have worked for 1-3 years while almost

one quarter, 15 (22%), have worked for 4-6 years. 6 (9%) participants had worked for over 10

years while 2 (3%) had worked for between 7-9 years as indicated figure 4.

42

1-3 yrs 4-6 Yrs 7-9 Yrs 10 & Above0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70% 66%

22%

3%

9%

Figure 4: respondents working experience

4.3.5 Respondents’ past experience

There were 39 (58%) journalists who had previously been affected or experienced some

traumatic events, while 28 (42%) had not experienced any traumatic event in their lives as shown

in figure 6 below.

Respondents past experience - Figure 6

58%42%

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4.4 Data analysis

Documentary review and analysis of literature and safety of journalists in Kenya and its environs

while enhancing good governance became evident; many journalists are threatened and hindered

from delivering their services effectively. Most of them are scared of their lives not knowing

who to turn to with respect to a similar case Linus kaikai went through on being kidnapped just

outside his gate in Rongai. Derrick’s camera was smashed by the first lady then (Lucy Kibaki)

who stormed the media house at night. Reviews of some International literature on good

governance articles as well as information from the Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Union of

Journalists among others, gave much weight to prove good governance doesn’t come on a silver

platter. Most nations are going through the same problem with journalists taking the bitter pill.

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations of the study. It presents a critical

assessment of the research results in its entirety. Finally, the chapter makes conclusions,

recommendations and makes suggestions for further study.

5.2 Conclusions

From my entire research, it can clearly be seen that for journalists to deliver their various

functions, the government has to give them the maximum cooperation. The draconian laws being

drafted and imposed on journalists have to be struck off to enable easy and smooth participation

of journalists in being the voice to the voiceless. In this case the governance of our beloved

country will be streamlined.

According to Shiundu and Ngirachu (2013) article in the Daily Nation, the MP’s plan to send

journalists out of the parliaments media centre has a hidden agenda behind. The fact that

journalists actively participated in denouncing their intention of huge salaries as well as airing

the protests live should not make them victims of the circumstance. Journalists should be

motivated to deliver their services without being inflicted with threats.

The Media Council of Kenya should raise the standards in fighting for journalists rights and their

accreditation should major on qualifications. All the roots of corruption in the body should be

eliminated. Those seeking to be recognized by the body should meet all the requirements

necessary for their acceptance. So far they are doing a good job.

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Many journalists as listed in the chapters above have been kidnapped, their tools of work being

cameras smashed in their line of duty, others lives being threatened: who can report what the

government does behind the curtain if not journalists? At the same time if journalists don’t put

them on the spot, how will change come? This should not be the case at all, journalists should be

heard for they relate with the citizens keeping them informed 24hours.

To effectively achieve the millennium development goals, there is the need for good governance

mechanisms for sustainable human development. The processes of globalization lead to changes

of power between different actors; some actors lose influence while others, especially 16mobile

actors win.

5.3 Recommendations

Both the national and county governments should work hand in hand with journalists to ensure

better and good governance. The media can make full use of their potential to contribute to the

consolidation of democracy if their rights are protected. The Medias credibility as a democratic

institution is enhanced if they are accountable to the public, acknowledges their mistakes and

ensure that ethical and professionalism is ensured.

The government should stop harassing journalists, but instead give them humble time to educate

the citizens and keep them updated with current information including news, keeping the entire

government on check.

The National security and protection council should develop and establish National Safety and

Protection Standards Operating Procedures, including a national referral system and manual to

serve as a guide book. They should as well as develop and establish a journalist and other media

46

professionals Legal Aid Defense Fund to ensure that any safety and protection violations are

prosecuted.

Reach out to the judiciary, journalism training Institutions and Law Society of Kenya including

Law schools to interest them in taking up media law related issues including an urgent and

sustained exposure/ training on media laws, media regulation, the International legal provisions

and skills upgrading for all journalists both within and without the media houses and institutions.

The parliament should be realistic before creating those draconian laws, give journalists the

freedom to gather news and present them to the public, hence create the room to be challenged

when a wrong move is made that than create confusion or undermine the innocent citizens.

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Reference

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APPENDICES

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Appendix I

Time schedule for the research

Time frame Activity

3rd August – 18th Oct 2013 Proposal writing and development

26th October Defending the proposal

27th Feb-10th March 2014 Pilot study

12th March - 19th March. Amendments and corrections

22nd March- 5th April Data collection

7th April- 21st April Data documentation and analysis

21st - June- 20th July Feedback and dissemination

Appendix II

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Researchers Questionnaire

Section A:

Social Demographic Factors

1. What is your gender Male [ ] Female [ ]

2. a) Indicate your highest level of education by ticking in the space provided

Primary [ ] Secondary [ ] College [ ] University [ ] None [ ]

b) In relation to the above question, what is the highest qualification in your field of

training? Certificate [ ] Diploma [ ] Bachelor [ ] Masters & Above [ ]

3. For how long have you worked as a journalist?

1-3 years [ ] 4-6 years [ ] 7- 9 years [ ] Over 10 [ ]

4. Do you think your training is adequate for performing of your duties as a journalist? Yes

No

(If your answer is NO, please elaborate)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Have you ever personally been threatened in your line of duty as a journalist?

Yes No

(If yes to the above question, explain how it was)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

b) Does it have any impact on you while performing your duties?

52

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Section B:

Supportive strategies and coping mechanisms in journalists line of duty. Do you always do the

following?

ITEM YES NO

Compromise with politicians when writing articles

Attend workshops

Spend time with your family and friends

Go on vacations

Exercising

Receive supervision

Develop spiritual life like going to church, mosque

2. What other strategies do you use to cope with your experiences in the

workplace?.........................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................

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............................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................

3. Briefly explain your experiences when dealing with sensitive governance cases

…………………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………....

4. Do you think journalists can avoid day to day conflicts with the government?

Yes No

b) if yes to the above question, explain

how? ......................................................

............................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................

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Informed consent letter

My name is Atsing’a Godfrey Ahinda, a Diploma in journalism and Mass media student of Moi

University carrying out research on the role of journalists in good governance in Kenya. The

purpose of this study is to establish the role of Journalism in good governance and to determine

the various challenges facing journalists in their line of duty while marking areas they need to

improve.

All information provided in this study will be treated with confidentiality and your identity shall

not be disclosed. The participation in this study is on voluntary basis, and therefore you are free

to accept or decline to take part in the study.

Your cooperation will be of great importance in achieving this goal. If you agree to take part in

this study, please quickly answer this questionnaire then append only your signature below.

____________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date

For any correspondence, please contact the principal investigator through:

Atsing’a Godfrey Ahinda

Journalism and mass media, Diploma student

Moi University

Tel: 0725 793 978

55

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