A Critical Analysis Of The Role Of The Media In Kenya's Democratization Process: A Case Study Of The 1992,1997 And 2002 Kenya Multiparty Elections

Abstract

This study examines the media's role in the process of democratization, with particular attention being paid to the role of the media in aiding free and fair elections. The impact of the media is examined through content and frequency of coverage of the competing parties and presidential candidates. The study has examined the views of various scholars and their perceptions of the media; its weaknesses and its strengths. What many of them agree is that the media is a very powerful tool and if properly utilized can help promote and consolidate democracy. The study has also been conducted using information from various institutions that asses the Medias influence on democratization in Kenya which is secondary data. Further the study has used the Kenya Multiparty Elections of 1992, 1997 and 2002 as its case study. The coverage by radio, television and Newspapers has been analyzed to establish fairness in reporting. The assumption being that fair coverage would lead to fair competition and the outcome of elections would be a true reflection of the will of the people. The study finds that fairness was not achieved with the state run broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Radio and TV. The study reveals that the continued bias by KBC lies in the lack of enforceable legislation that would otherwise change the stations biased reportage. This study also reveals that if a free and fair private media are allowed to flourish, democracy too can flourish. A media free of government control and allowed unlimited reach would be the ideal to promote a democratic culture. This is evident in the 2002 General Elections where the role of the private media cannot be ignored. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS OPERATIONAL DEFINATIONS ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

l.O BACKGROUND

1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 1

.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.2.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

1.3 HYPOTHESIS

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

1.5 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 CONCEPT OF DEMOCRACY

2.2 CONCEPT OF THE MEDIA

2.3 LITERATURE ON MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY

2.4 ANALYSIS OF THE LITERATURE 

CHAPTER THREE 15

METHODOLOGY 15

3.0 INTRODUCTION 15

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN 15

3.2 SAMPLING 15

3.2.1 Sampling techniques 15

3.2.2 Sampling procedure 15

3.3 DATA COLLECTING METHODS 15

3.3.1 Instruments 15

3.4 SOURES OF DATA 16

3.5 DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS 16

CHAPTER FOUR 18

RESEARCH FINDINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS 18

4.0 INTRODUCTION 18

4.1 SELECTION OF MEDIA HOUSES 19

4.2 THE 1992 GENERAL ELECTIONS 19

4.3 THE 1997 GENERAL ELECTIONS 21

4.4 THE 2002 GENERAL ELECTIONS 25

4.5 LEGISLATION 34

4.6 THE ROLE OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF KENYA 35

4.7 QUESTION OF OWNERSHIP 35

4.8 CRITICAL LOOK AT KBC AND ITS CONTINUED BIASES 36 4.9 CONCLUSION 37

CHAPTER FIVE 38

SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 INTRODUCTION

5.1 SUMMARY

5.1.1 Promotion of democratic principles

5.2 CONCLUSION

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.3.1 Specialized training for journalists in Democracy

5.3.2 Law or regulation on media during elections

5.3.3 Further research REFERENCES APPENDICES APPENDIX I FRAMEWORK OF STUDY AND BUDGET #