The Role of Media in Conflict Management- a Case of 2017 General Elections in Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to establish the role of media in conflict management: a case of 2017 general elections in Kenya. Specifically, the study was set to determine the role media played in dispute resolution before, during and after 2017 general elections; the extent to which media escalated or deescalate violence during the 2017 general elections and analyze the challenges encountered by the media towards conflict management activities. The study used libertarian theory and the social responsibility theory. The study employed descriptive research design where it targeted 22 media firms in Nairobi City County. The study used 46 respondents as the sample size whereby primary data was gathered by the aid of interview guide. Secondary information was gathered from newspapers, TV productions and officials, and media and fighting management reports from non-governmental sources. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data. According to the analysis of the findings, it was revealed that the Kenyan media remained as the main source of information on economic, political and social matters, hence, media coverage gave new forms of citizen participation in providing an alternative platform for open discussion on the conflict situation. It was also concluded that media played a role of escalation and de-escalation of conflict of the 2017 general elections where on escalation the media Journalists reported in a manner that would place them in favor of the constituencies and constituents that they had political interest which compromised the way they reported the conflict. On de-escalation of conflict, the media spread positive messages and encourage viewers to remain calm and patient as the election results were announced. The study also concluded that the media faced a myriad of challenges which included among other things lack of necessary tools and skills to monitor and detect online activity which make it difficult for government and non-state actors to respond to activity that may lead to or propel violence, professionalism among journalists among inexperienced local journalists, where they break down misleading and potentially dangerous stereotypes which may erupt into violence and danger involved for the media in a modern conflict situation where journalists are murdered with impunity in crossfires. Therefore, from the findings of the study, it was recommended that precautions must be taken both by the media houses and journalists in ensuring that their reporting of conflicts is of high standards that is realistic, bias free and news worthy. Also, the media can bring opportunities beyond their role in accelerating social movements by providing upgraded forms of communication. The broadcasting media should be seen as an agent of social change and should discuss the social mobilization which may be able to bring about. On media escalating or deescalating violence, it was recommended regulatory and law enforcers in the media industry should design stern laws, rules and penalties for both media houses and personalities who use media for negative purposes. To overcoming of the challenges faced by the media, it was recommended that the media as an employer to give priority on the safety journalists. This means providing both safety training and lobbying the relevant authorities to be aware of their responsibility to protect journalists and pursue those suspected of killing journalists. The study suggested that a study to be carried out to cover various strategies employed by the media in the post-conflict societies in encountering the effects of the conflict.