The role of media in the coverage of national elections in Kenya the: case study, Radio Mambo FM in Webuye Town, Kenyaedia in the coverage of national elections in Kenya the: case study, Radio Mambo FM in Webuye Town, Kenya

Abstract

The major objective of the study was to examine the role of the media in the coverage of national elections in Webuye District of Kenya. This follows the deep public concern on the need to understand the role of media especially how it guides people during and after elections. The study was conducted in Webuye town. A total of 60 respondents were chosen; 30 were mixture of media practitioners, sponsers and advertisers while the remaining 30 were selected from Webuye town to represent the voice of the community during the study. The data was collected using tranquilization formulae which involved grouping different methods of collecting data which included structured interview using interview schedule, in-depth interview in form of interview guide, focused group discussion using discussion guide, questionnaires and observation. The researcher was prompted to find out the role of media particularly the community radio stations, if they really report election events like mobilization of voter registration, influence on choices of parties, holding opinion polls, candidate interviews~ and party advertisements during national elections in Kenya. Conclusions and recommendations were then made after presenting and interpreting the data.