Media coverage and conflict management in Kenya Presidential Elections
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Date
2021-07
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and social Science
Abstract
The study sought to examine the media’s role in conflict management in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To examine media coverage of 2007 to 2017 Kenyan presidential elections; To determine media influence on the use of avoidance in escalating conflict during Kenyan presidential elections; To analyze media impact on the use of compromise in de-escalating conflict during Kenyan presidential elections; and to evaluate the contribution of the Government in conflict management during the 2007 to 2017 Kenyan presidential elections. The study adopted descriptive research design, and employed a mixed method approach, where qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data collection. A sample size of 385 respondents was derived through Survey Monkey formula, an online technique for calculating sample size. On the first objective, the findings show that within the study period, 2007, 2013 and 2017, Media houses in Kenya gradually changed their coverage from an approach that promoted conflict to an approach that advocated for peace during election period. On the second objective, the study revealed that the media has played a role in escalation of violence, by promoting the use of avoidance as a conflict management approach. The study revealed that to a high degree, the media played a role in escalating violence in 2007 by creating an atmosphere where the politicians did not have to be accountable for their actions as long as they are the preferred candidate of a particular media house, which was not the case in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. On the third objective, the findings revealed that the media influenced use of compromise as a conflict resolution strategy in the presidential elections of 2013 and 2017. The study showed that the media de-escalated conflict by encouraging the use of dialogue and compromise as a form of conflict management. On the fourth objective, the qualitative findings showed that the government has not contributed much to peace building during elections, while the qualitative data shows her efforts in promoting peaceful elections. There is need to harmonize these varying opinions by sensitizing the masses on government efforts. Also, there is need to strengthen existing policies on the electoral processes and conduct. The study concludes that the media has the potential to escalate or deescalate conflict if a conscious effort is not made. This conclusion was arrived based on the findings of the study which showed that violent conflict reduced even as the journalistic approach adopted also changed from war journalism to peace journalism. This presents irrefutable evidence that the manner and approach of news dissemination has a direct impact on electoral violence. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations were made; media houses need to adopt new policies that strikes the right balance between reporting the news and being socially responsible to the country and people living therein. Secondly, the media council of Kenya needs to improve and enforce the already drawn up policy on electoral reporting. The third recommendation was that, the media should conduct more debates and talk shows by hosting key stakeholders to address relevant subjects regarding the electoral process and concerns. Finally, it was recommended that the government of Kenya should collaborate with media houses, international and local NGOs as well as community leaders to come up with ways to ensure peaceful electoral outcomes in the country going forward.
Description
A thesis submitted to the college of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in conflict resolution and peace-building of Kampala International University
Keywords
Media coverage, Conflict management, Kenya