SECTOR 2

2.6
Government promotes a diverse media
landscape with economically sustainable and
independent media outlets.
Analysis
For some time in the past the allocation of the limited broadcast frequencies was
haphazard, leading to some monopolists acquiring what they did not need. They
ended up “hoarding” for speculation.
The Kenya Communications Amendment Act 2008 provides for the withdrawal
of unused frequencies, and this has been effected.
For the future there are prospects of increased diversity and more independent
media outlets, given the installation of the fibre optic cable and the migration to
digital broadcasting.

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: 			

1.5 (2005=n/a; 2007=n/a)

2.7
All media fairly reflect the voices of both women
and men.
Analysis
All media do not fairly reflect the voices of both men and women. Women in
particular are portrayed in stereotypes. Even when serious issues are to be raised,
sexist imagery accompanies the coverage.
In April 2009, the Group of 10 (G10), a coalition of women groups and
organizations called for one-week sex boycott. This was in a bid to oblige the

32

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

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