Kenya
2.8

Media diversity is promoted through adequate competition
regulation/legislation.

ANALYSIS:
There is a quasi-oligopoly of the Nation Group and Standard Group
in the print media sector, with cross-ownership into broadcasting
(Nation owns a TV and radio station, Standard a TV station). Increasing competition arises from the Royal Media Group that owns
Citizen Radio and Citizen TV. The group seems to be enjoying special
treatment by government when it comes to the issuing of frequencies because it “has taken over the role of the (state-owned) Kenya
Broadcasting Corporation” in disseminating government-friendly
programmes.
Alternative media are small and vulnerable and perceived as “gutter press”. They did have a market initially but now have a credibility problem.
A government ICT policy attempting to tackle cross-ownership is
still on the drawing board.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

1,1,1,1,2,2,1,1,1,2,3

Average score:

1.5

2.9

Government promotes a political and economic environment which allows a diverse media landscape.

ANALYSIS:
The political environment seems favourable and is enhanced by recent moves towards increasing democratic space.
14

African Media Barometer - Kenya 2005

Select target paragraph3