WAY FORWARD The way forward 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last two /three years? Positive developments • Social media use has grown rapidly in Kenya over the last two years. The media is adopting this new means of communication. In addition to websites and Facebook/twitter accounts, some media houses are beginning to use SMS news alerts to increase reach. • Media policy improved and the environment more accommodative. New publications and broadcast services were launched. The coming of the 2010 Constitution and talks over new legislation promise more improvements. • The media played a positive role in raising public understanding of the new constitution that was voted in favour during a national referendum and promulgated in August 2010. • The emergence of alternative media gave more voice to grassroot populations and highlighted issues that are often left out in the mainstream media. • Investigative journalism became more prominent, featuring in many print publications and audiovisual services. • Investment in the media sector increased with additional investments from politicians and Chinese businessmen. • The volume of local content increased, including programmes for children telling their own stories. • Overall content improved and was more sensitive, especially since the 2008 post-election violence. Truth-metres to check public statements by politicians became commonplace. Negative developments • Many politicians took over media houses and influenced editorial decision-making processes to promote their agendas; • Media houses openly took partisan positions on major political and national issues. • Media was on trial with the ICC post election violence case that implicated a journalist. 64 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2012