SECTOR 4 “Media houses have no moral high ground to punish corrupt journalists because even senior editors are corrupt.” Most newsrooms have no clear rules on gifts and this has opened the way for corruption. However, when the integrity of the media house is in jeopardy, someone at the bottom end of the land is made a scapegoat and sacked for alleged corruption. 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: 1.3 (2005 = n/a, 2007 = n/a, 2009 = 2.0) 4.8 Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. In March 2012, journalists of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation were on strike against poor pay. Across the industry, the average pay for journalists and other workers of the media industry is considered to be low. It is particularly lower for private media employees, compared to those of the state-run media. Pay disparities are more pronounced in the television industry where a popular broadcaster can earn well above his/her supervising editor. Some really popular show host can earn up to KSh1 million (about US$ 12,500) a month. A new Chinese channel offers good pay and is attracting many broadcasters. Studies show that on average: • • • • 8 – 10% of TV workers earn KSh1 million (about US$12,500); Top editors earn KSh250,000 – KSh500,000 (about US$ 3,125 – 6,250); Most reporters earn KSh150,000 (about US$1,875); While the starting salary is KSh60-70,000 (about US$750 – 875) Permanent employees are few across the industry, with most being stringers that are paid per story published. Permanent workers work about eight hours or more per day. The Kenyan Union of Journalists has been spearheading a collective bargain agreement with employers but the initiative has died several times. Nevertheless, because of thinning staff strength, many media houses are increasing the number of permanent workers on their payroll. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2012 61