Department of English, Literature, Journalism and Mass Communication

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://erepository.kibu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/101

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Action Research: The panacea for challenges in ESL teaching in Kenya
(Horizon research publishing, 2017-04) Okoth, Teresa A.; Simiyu, Irene
Teachers of English in contexts where English is a second language are constantly thinking about their practice. It may be about routine classroom events or an initiative that one wishes to implement but wonders how best to. While solutions to some of these concerns may be found in In-service experiences, literature and study findings, most of the solutions do not consider the context and are majorly prescribed in a one-size-fits-all manner. The situation is not helped by in-service opportunities that are organized to avail ‘new’ knowledge which facilitators feel teachers lack. This is exacerbated by the lack of follow-up support that teachers may require when implementing the new ideas in their classes. However, this need not be so as demonstrated by literature and studies which reveal that teachers can learn from their practice and in their context by identifying the challenging area and working alone or with colleagues. Action Research (AR) is one method that has been indicated for a number of reasons. Its key attribute is that it allows teachers to engage in collaborative actions that will lead to their understanding of practice while at the same time developing themselves professionally. This positional paper will make a case for AR as a solution to the challenges that face language instruction in the Kenyan ESL context. The paper will also briefly point out the thorny issue of ethical considerations in researching one’s practice. The authors consider this an invitation to debate on how teachers can navigate ethical issues in the Kenyan ESL context.
An analysis of the competence in literary criticism among Kenyan secondary school students: a case study of Wareng' district, Uasin Gishu county
(Scholarlink Research Institute, 2012-10-01) Wambua, Pauline Ndave; Indede, Florence; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai
This paper is based on a study that examined the level of competence in literary criticism among students in Forms Two, Three and Four, based on the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Wareng District of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The author argues that students’ exposure to literary knowledge and the competent use of figurative language can enhance performance in literature in Kiswahili and the general performance of the Kiswahili subject. The pragmatic theory, which recognizes that practical approach is the core foundation for building competence in whichever field, which then puts students at the centre of the acquisition of competence’s process, was used. The theory postulates that any system of education that is in place should be reviewed from time to time in order to be at par with the changes that are witnessed in everyday life. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data from the questionnaires was analysed using a descriptive method and percentages. The findings showed that students had a lower ability in identifying and explaining the meaning and usage of terminologies that are commonly used during the criticism and analyzing of Kiswahili literature text books. This paper makes recommendations on the structures to mitigate the challenge of competency in literary criticism devices among Kenyan secondary school students. Bearing in mind that society thrives by communication, which is achieved by proper use of language, the study generates useful knowledge to teachers, students and scholars in the literary field on the need to come up with ways of improving competence in literary criticism.
Assessing argumentative normativity in the english medium Kenyan newspaper editorials from a linguistic-pragmatic approach
(2012) Ben, Nyongesa; Wekesa
The paper explores argumentative Normativity in the English medium newspaper editorials in Kenya. The paper aimed at establishing whether the editorials meet the logical, dialectal and rhetorical demands as aspects of Normativity. Four editorial texts were analysed from a Linguistic-Pragmatic approach. The Rhetorical Structure Theory and Text-Type Theory were used as descriptive tools. The findings show that editorials in the Kenyan newspaper discourse adhere to the classical structure of argumentation and that different clause relations signal the editorial structural components, opinion and arguments though implicitly. Interpersonal relations are preferred to ideational-textual relations. Pragmatically, editorials are written to shoulder the burden of proof; however, this is determined by the acceptability or unacceptability of the claim depending on the context and external constraints playing a role within the particular argumentative framework in which this claim is supposed to play its argumentative role.
An Assessment of Audience Participation in Community Radio Broadcasting, Production and Content Delivery: The Case of Togotane FM in Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2021-05) Ziz, Isabel Zattu; Otieno, Millicent; Abila, James
This study was underpinned by the democratic participant theory, which avers that radio programming, production and content delivery play a key role in awareness creation.
Cartoons can talk? visual analysis of cartoons on the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya: a visual argumentation approach
(Sage Publications, 2012-05) Wekesa, Ben; Nyongesa
The growing influence of the visual media in contemporary society is quite alarming; hence, learning to explicate them is inevitable. This is a paradigm shift from verbal argumentation to visual argumentation. The aim of this article is to contribute to the understanding of visual analysis and visual literacy, a part of discourse analysis. Visuals employ a number of rhetorical devices; however, understanding the effectiveness of these devices is still a challenge. Adopting Visual Argumentation Theory, the article analyzes argumentation in cartoons on the post-election violence that rocked Kenya in 2007/2008. From the analyses, it is concluded that visuals can argue as simply and forcefully as their verbal counterparts. The blending of caricature and portraiture makes them even more explicit as portraiture denotes the characters so that we can recognize who they are; caricature ridicules them, analogy attributes actions to them in a satirical or sarcastic way, and cultural memory is needed to access the reference to the analogies. Visuals are designed to make the reader think not only about the event or the people being portrayed but also about the message being communicated. This means visuals have the ability to stretch the truth beyond caricature or mere amusement.
'COLONIAL VIRUS'? COVID-19 and Radicalized Risk Narratives in South Africa, Ghana and Kenya
(University of Liverpool, 2020-07) Vaughn, Leona; Kiconco, Allen; Quartey, Nii; Smith, Collins; Ziz, Isabel
This report is the result of a research project undertaken in partnership with partners in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa between May and July 2020. It was supported by the University of Liverpool Global Challenges Strategy Group COVID-19 Official Development Assistance (ODA) Rapid Response Fund to tackle the COVID-19, or coronavirus, challenges faced by low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The research team adopted an ‘anti-colonial’ approach to this collaborative project. The research was co-designed by the team from the outset of the proposal, through to collectively creating and determining search terms, time limits, the literature review, methods for data collection, tools for analysis and methods for dissemination.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Racialised Risk Narratives in Kenya
(University of Liverpool, 2020-08) Ziz, Isabel
This report examines the language used by government, media and social media to communicate risk and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. It unpacks several themes, some of them captured in the poem. Collectively, the themes contribute to the central theme of the report; the racialisation of the pandemic in Kenya. These themes include the situation before recording the first infection, the origins of the disease; perceived Black immunity and resistance; government response to the outbreak; anti-Chinese sentiments; and debates on the cure and vaccine of the disease.
Educational exigencies of the 21st century: Implications for teacher education programmes in East Africa
(2013-04-15) Kajoro, Peter Aaron Mayengo; Chirure, Hellen Nabututu; Simiyu, Irene
Questions about what constitutes effective teacher education, compatible with today’s changing educational demands, have become commonplace. This article is therefore an overview of ideas about the elements of effective teacher education in light of the 21st century demands. Drawing on literature and the authors' knowledge of teacher education in the East African context, the article argues the case for the different elements of effective teacher education programs that would help the region, and by extension other developing countries, meet their educational obligations in the 21st century. The paper also highlights the theoretical underpinnings of these elements and concludes with the implications of these elements to teacher preparation in East Africa.
Effects of terrorism news on readers of newspapers: a case study of taifaleo newspaper of Kenya
(SAVAP International (Society for the Advancement of Education through Visionary Academicians/Researchers for Peaceful Globe), 2013-07-01) Owala, Silas Odhiambo; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai; Indede, Florence
The media plays an important role in giving the masses information about terrorism. Many developing countries have not in the past had many acts of terrorism that originated directly from those countries and for a long time have had the media in those countries reporting news on terrorist acts in other countries. However in the recent past there has been an increase of terrorist activities in some countries in the developing world. Some of these countries are Nigeria and Kenya. In Kenya the war with Somalia’s militia group Al Shabaab has increased the frequency of terrorist activities. The media in Kenya therefore has been on the spotlight recently concerning its role in providing news related to these incidents. This paper looks at the manner in which TaifaLeo a Kiswahili language daily newspaper presents news on terrorism from both inside and outside Kenya. The main objective was to seek the opinion of readers about the news on terrorism in the daily and find out how the presentation of those news items affected the readers. The study was carried out in four towns in Kenya where circulation of the paper is highest- Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Mumias. The study revealed that the news had mostly social and psychological effects on the readers that led to readers developing attitudes mostly negative towards their neighbours.
Invading the public sphere: media, private discourse and the public space in Kenya
(2008-12-11) Mohochi, Ernest Sangai
Privatization and liberalization of the media, both print and electronic, has revolutionized information processing and dissemination. This has been further aided by continued advances in technology, especially the internet. While this has led to access to more information, and more citizen participation in governance and management of public affairs, which are significant ingredients in development, it has come with other effects. In the current global context, the transformed media is opening the populace to outside influences, and the more it grows the more difficult it becomes to control its content. This paper discusses this phenomenon by analyzing the way recent advances in the media are shaping and changing the conceptualization of the public sphere and its management in Kenya. It further shows the role of the media in redefining the boundaries of the public sphere. It attempts to answer the question of whether the media, through their programmes, are aiding private discourse in its invasion of the public space. To what extent does this fit within the wider cross-border interaction leading to the development of more global public spheres? It also seeks to establish what the new perception of the public sphere portends for Africa, especially the extent to which it can be seized and utilized as a stage for enhancing the democratization and development process for the common good.
Media Viability Needs Assessment
(Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET), 2024-01-01) Manje, Isaac Wamalwa
KCOMNET through Umoja Radio for Peace (UR4P) project recently conducted a media viability needs assessment activity targeting 41 CRS. In 2021, the Media Futures East Africa Project, jointly implemented by the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media & Communications and DW Akademie, investigated the state of innovation & media viability in Kenya. However, from the report presented, community radio was conspicuously missing out from the media viability needs analysis. The focus of was purely on print & commercial radio & television. This informed the need to conduct a media viability needs assessment for community radio. Cognizant of the fact that media viability needs assessment for community media is noticeably missing from recent studies, this assessment investigated the media viability needs of community radio. Media viability is the ability of media outlets to operate financially & editorially independently while still ensuring high-quality journalism. A media viability needs assessment is a process of identifying & assessing the needs of media outlets in order to support their long-term financial sustainability & empower them to produce high quality journalism in an editorially independent manner.
Regulatory Framework of Community Radios in Kenya in Reference to the Development Agenda of Slum Areas
(Research Journal of Mass Communication and Information Technology, 2023-12-31) Manje, Isaac Wamalwa
This study sought to scrutinize the regulatory environment of community radios in Kenya with specific reference to the development agenda of slum areas. The study specifically focused on Pamoja FM that serves Kibera slums in Nairobi. This case study utilised a descriptive design using qualitative approaches. The study utilised interviews, observations, and review of documents as the strategies of collecting data. Data was collected from a census sample of five newsroom staff and thirty regular listeners of Pamoja FM together with key informants who were interviewed and also participated in focus group discussions to provide information on the regulatory framework of community radios in Kenya in reference to the development agenda of slum areas. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in narrative form and direct quotations. This study established that regulatory restrictions greatly limit the income of community radio stations, thus hindering them from effectively carrying out their mandate. It emerged that community radios really try to effectively deliver information and knowledge about development to members of their communities despite the strict regulatory restrictions. The study recommends that the government should make the regulatory framework and environment friendlier for community radios and that community radios should find sustainability mechanisms to help them promote the development agenda of the communities they serve.
The Role of Community Radios in the Development of Slum Areas: The Case of Pamoja FM in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya
(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2022-11-01) Manje, Isaac Wamalwa
This study sought to examine the role of community radio in promoting the development agenda of slum areas with a specific focus on Pamoja FM that serves Kibera slums in Nairobi. This case study utilised a descriptive design using qualitative approaches. The study utilised interviews, observations, and review of documents as the strategies of collecting data. Data was collected from a census sample of five newsroom staff and thirty regular listeners of Pamoja FM together with key informants who were interviewed and also participated in focus group discussions to provide information on the role of Pamoja FM in promoting the development agenda of their communities. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data based on study objectives and fieldwork. Data was presented in narrative form and direct quotations. The role of community radio in the provision of information and knowledge for development in slum areas were found to include fostering of peace building, promoting security, overcoming language barrier challenges in communication, encouraging community participation and mobilisation in development matters, acting as a government watchdog, empowering communities economically, and providing communities with a form of communication that they can closely identify with. The study concluded that community radio is a crucial part of the communication process that aids in social change because of its potential to facilitate participation and inclusion in development agenda.
A study of terrorism discourse in taifaleo newspaper of Kenya
(MCSER-CEMAS-Sapienza University of Rome, 2031-03-01) Owala, Silas Odhiambo; Indede, Florence; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai
Terrorism is a global concern and usually elicits a lot of sensationalism every time it occurs. The media often finds itself in the middle of debates over this issue. Apart from the role of informing the public, the media has a responsibility of avoiding the creation of animosity amongst the readers. The choice of language used by the media can create a negative attitude towards one another among the readers and the public in general. This research investigated discourse on national and international terrorism in TaifaLeo, a daily published in Kiswahili language in Kenya. The main objective was to analyze the language used in reporting terrorism news in the newspaper. The intention was to find out how the language used in those specific news items created bias in presentation of terrorism news. The parts of the newspaper that had reports on terrorism were isolated and analyzed over a period of one year. The study revealed that there was bias in the way this newspaper reported terrorism news. The biases that were noted were mostly caused by discourse structures that were provided by either the reporters or the sources they quoted
Teacher mentoring: A Synonym for teacher professional instruction and guidance
(2017) Simiyu, Irene A.; Mwanzi, Jackline; Wanambisi, Margaret
: Induction programs largely focus on informing the beginning teacher about the school culture and infrastructure yet the core business of education is teaching and learning. This qualitative study uses a survey, questionnaire, and interviews to investigate 10 beginning teachers’ needs towards becoming effective teachers in their first year of teaching. Findings were synonymous with studies in other countries that showed they required more support in the induction process, particularly around the school context, networking, managing people, and creating work-life balances. It also found that these beginning teachers required more support in school culture and infrastructure with stronger consideration of developing teaching practices, such as: pedagogical knowledge development and behaviour management. It highlighted willing and capable assigned mentors who can model practices and provide feedback on the beginning teachers’ practices as pivotal to induction and mentoring processes
Teachers professional development sustainable and generative modes
(2011) Simiyu, Irene.
The issue of professional development for teachers has in the recent past drawn substantive attention from education stakeholders, the world over. This is with particular consideration of the relationship that exists between teacher quality and improved student learning outcomes. While effective professional development opportunities can enhance teachers’ knowledge and enable them to develop new instructional practices, literature and studies have revealed ineffectiveness in some of the modes. Of particular concern is firstly, the inability of some modes to support continual improvement of practice. This is as a result of several issues that are connected to the way the opportunities are designed and the level of involvement of the teacher who is the target of the professional development opportunity. Secondly is how feasible and practical is the opportunity given that follow-up is minimal or even none at all. Arguably, the organizers of such opportunities do not seem to recognize the various ways in which adults learn, a factor that may lead to the ‘new’ knowledge taking root or being ignored. However, this situation need not be so, as demonstrated by literature and studies. Professional development opportunities should include inquiry-based and selfdirected activities, coupled with a commitment to working with colleagues in the process of designing learning and assessing procedures. To argue out this thesis, this article will briefly examine current professional development opportunities in the East African context and then propose modes that are sustainable and generative. The article ends with a discussion of the implications for teachers, schools and Ministry of Education officials.
Violation of linguistic and patient’s rights in Kenya
(United states international university (USIU), 2012) Wekesa, Ben; Nyongesa
Health communication, particularly patients’ rights, has become an issue of concern in the recent past. This paper exposes the patients’ rights violation on two main planes: the linguistic plane and the right to information plane. The paper also assesses the world trend on the aforementioned violations and finally contextualises the patient-physicians relationship models. The paper makes the following observations: there is need to reinforce the law on package inserts, especially, the inserts for the patients in both content and language. The PPIs should be translated into Kiswahili for ease readability and access to information. There is also need to enlighten the public and patients in particular on the patients’ rights and enact and implement the Freedom of Information for the public to hold the state responsible for accountability and quality service including health services. Lastly, the paper recommends the adoption of interpretive model which harmonises physician’s medical facts and the patient’s personal values in arriving at a balanced decision on health issues.
When metaphorical language use fails: A case of Zoosemy in the late Qaddafi’s political speeches during the uprising
(The Greener Journals, 2013) Nyongesa, B.W.
Politics is marked by power play among the politicians themselves and between the politicians and their subjects. When no amicable solution is arrived at, an uprising is eminent. During such uprisings, discourse plays a key role in either restoring peace or fuelling animosity. This paper explores the zoosemy in Qaddafi’s speeches with the view of attempting an explanation to what metaphors accomplish in political discourse in our troubled times. The paper, from a socio-cultural perspective, explains why metaphorical language use failed with the Libyan case. The paper argues that the effectiveness of metaphorical language depends heavily on the socio-cultural context in which it is used. Any language use that is outside the society’s habitus gets suppressed and resisted. Secondly, when a metaphor becomes too common, it loses its metaphorical touch among the audience. Lastly metaphorical language use depends on power play between interlocutors. When it becomes apparent that you are manipulating the language for personal interests, however, powerfully you chose and use metaphors, you are pound to meet resistance.

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