Scholars Bulletin (SB)
Volume-3 | Issue-04 | Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(4): 164-169
Research Article
Mapping out Media-Politics Relationship in Kenya: Comparing the Mwai Kibaki-Uhuru Kenyatta Regimes’ Media ownership, Usage and Control
Mathews Arnold Shirima, Michael M. Ndonye
Published : April 25, 2017
Abstract
Abstract: Media remains an important institution that continues to transform lives of people in Kenya as in any part of the world. News is a basic need and continues to shape the perceptions of people on issues affecting them socially, politically and economically. Studies suggest (as will be demonstrated in this paper) a steady increase of media and news consumption as well as coverage throughout the country since 2002. However, we cannot run away with the fact that the ideology of the government of the day is seen to determine media policy framework in Kenya. The paper compares media issues (ownership, usage and control) in the regimes of Mwai Kibaki (2002-2012) and that of Uhuru Kenyatta (2013-2017). The paper seeks to answer three questions: what are the trends of media ownership between the two regimes? What are the media ownership patterns within the established legal framework that defines ownership patterns of media outlets? The paper tackles the issue of media ownership together with technological adoption policy of each of the two regimes. The second question is whether the two regimes used media (including mainstream media and social media) in their political communication process the same way. Here, the implementation of the constitution to accord the media freedom as provided is explored and the enacted legislation is analysed. The third is what is the nature and level of media control and manipulation by the both regimes? Through analysis of already existing literature and reviewing of unfolding events, the paper explores the social, economic and political influence of both presidents to establish these differing relations with the media.