Media Initiatives as Information Provider and Society’s Watchdog on Peace Building in Kenya

Abstract

Media has power to shape public discourse globally in its information. In its reportage it plays a multiplicity of initiatives that at times may be objective or other times subjective. This is as a result of various contexts in which the media professionals find themselves in. Media therefore can be used for good and evil purposes. This paper is based on a study conducted in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya, whose objectives were to investigate how media consider peace building while effecting their initiative as information provider, interpreter and watchdog. The study population comprised editors and journalists from media houses, opinion leaders, religious organizations and media analysts drawn from the academia, Non-Governmental Organizations and the Kenya National Council for Human Rights. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 210 respondents drawn from the target population of 420. Data collection was done through questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussions, participant observations and analysis of documentary records. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the study findings, it was revealed that the media as an information provider was highly significant just as being a watchdog and diplomatic initiatives. Within the context of information provision, interpretation and as a watchdog for society, the media influences society in many dimensions. As gatekeepers, they decide what information gets to the public; as watchdog and they represent the interests of the people against powerful interests. In economic development, the media provide the enabling environment for businesses and investments to flourish. In addition, they assist in empowering economically disadvantaged groups in the society; at the same time contribute to societal economic growth. In social development, the media can help fight corruption, prevent communal conflicts and provide useful information on disasters. The media are particularly useful for public health campaigns, especially against children diseases, communicable diseases, and in favour of a healthy environment.

Keywords: Effects, Media Initiatives, Information Provider, Society, Watchdog, Peace Building, Kenya