SECTOR 2

Towards the end of 2009, KNA received Kshs 80 million11(US $ 100.000) from the
World Bank to set up twenty four (24) information resource centres.12 The centres
are meant to enhance the capacity of the department in processing, packaging and
storage of information through modern technology. The centres will enable KNA
to be vibrant in its supply of news from the different regions, provide information
to the public and serve as a news bank for foreign media based in the country. The
department has also through the Kenya Information Communication Technology
(KICT) Board already received Kshs 19 million state-of the art equipment and
Kshs 60 million has been spent on Local Area Network (LAN) and bandwidth
connectivity.
At this point, it is still early to judge Kenya Today editorial independence.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator.

3

Country meets many aspects of indicator but
progress may be too recent to judge.

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has
been doing so over time.

Average score: 			

2.0 (2005=n/a; 2007=2.3)

2.5
Adequate competition legislation/regulation
seeks to prevent media concentration and monopolies
Analysis
Trends indicate an upsurge of individuals seeking media concentration motivated
by the quest of political control, influence and business gains.
The Media Owners Association has been keen to scuttle efforts and discussions
towards media de-concentration. They argue that in free enterprise, those with
the capacity should be free to invest. Business and political interests have seen the
emergence of monopolies by a few individuals, families and other categories. This
is the case with, for example, the Standard Group, the Royal Media Services, the
11 Exchange rate is 1 US$ is equivalent to Ksh. 70.
12 “Exciting Times Ahead for State News Agency”. Kenya Today, November 16-22, 2009.

30

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

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