SECTOR 3

3.9
The state/public broadcaster offers diverse
programming formats for all interests.
Analysis
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) offers diversity in programmes for many
interests. These include various formats/genres namely news bulletins, current
affairs, documentaries/features, drama/comedy/serials, movie, music shows, talk
shows (mainly political/social/topical issues), Chat shows (mainly human interest
and lifestyle topics), quiz/game/ reality shows, education, children’s programmes,
youth programmes, women, sports, culture/media/arts, and on faith. This variety
of programs, with a wide range of subjects is meant to address and reach out to
different audiences.
The broadcaster also uses Kiswahili and English languages as key languages and
nineteen vernacular stations targeting different communities of Kenya, including
in marginalized areas for example the semi arid and arid lands (ASAL)25.
KBC is persistent in content and programmes pay attention to human values. KBC
has also been persistent on issues of decency, morality and avoids sensationalism.

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: 			

3.7 (2005=4.5; 2007=n/a)

25 Githaiga, Grace. 2009. A Preliminary Survey of Available Technologies for Distance Learning Through Radio.
London. Institute of International Education and Development.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER KENYA 2009

47

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