SECTOR 4

picture of the underage suspect, who allegedly killed her father. The media also
ignored some facts of the story, including allegations that the father tried to rape
the girl.
In a separate story, the media reported a teachers’ strike even though the teachers’
union had clearly stated in a statement that their line of action was still being
worked out. There have been cases of misinterpretation and misrepresentation of
public declarations by officials, including those made on live television.
Increasingly, newspapers try to remedy cases of inaccuracies by running corrections,
clarifications and apologies-even though they are often hidden in difficult to spot
corners.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

2.7 (2005 = 3.4, 2007 = 3.1, 2009 = 2.6)

4.3 The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues
and cultures, including business/economics, cultural,
local and investigative stories.
Every subject is covered by the Kenyan media, but sometimes coverage is biased
and influenced by stereotypes. The Luos [a major ethnic group in Kenya] often get
very negative representation in the media, for example. It is the same thing for
women and minority groups like people with handicaps and Muslims.
But on the good side, investigative journalism is increasing, with stories targeting
drug trafficking and abuse, prostitution and corruption over the past two years.
The Kenya Media Programme is helping newspapers to undertake investigative
reporting projects.2

2

56

According to its website, “The Kenya Media Programme (KMP) is a programme of Hivos. Its purpose is to strengthen
the existing media landscape in Kenya. As a dedicated media facility, the KMP provides a framework of various
interventions aimed at improving the professionalism and effectiveness of the media in Kenya.” - http://www.kmp.
or.ke/

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2012

Select target paragraph3