A Contextual Analysis of Community Radio Programming and Peace Promotion in Political Campaigns in Kenya: A Case of Migori County

Abstract

With their ability to reach and influence a large number of people, community radios wield immense power in shaping the course of political discourse and contestations. Although many examples of the media’s negative contribution to escalation of violence and conflicts exist, fair and accurate journalism that builds confidence and counteracts misperceptions has the potential to transform and prevent political violence. Migori County is listed by the National Commission on Integration and Cohesion(NCIC) as one of the political violence hotspots in Kenya. The aim of this study was to investigate both programme genre and broadcast content of three community radios in the region. The objectives of the study were: To establish whether Milambo Radio 103.8 FM, Radio Tarumbeta 90.4 FM and Radio Rameny88.3 FM have programmes designed for promoting peaceful political campaigns in Migori County; to determine the extent to which such programmes are used in promoting peaceful political campaigns and to explore strategies through which the programmes may be made more effective in promoting peaceful political campaigns. The study used face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Agenda Setting Theory supported by the Media Effects Theory were used.