The dynamics of the Kenyan mass media and their role in community development among the Nubian community in Kibera slums, Nairobi

Abstract

Kenyan Nubians have been viewed as stateless people because their identity is questioned. According to Historians, the Kenyan Nubians are without doubt one of the country's most invisible and under-represented communities - economically, socially, politically and culturally (Dobler and Burt, 1996). This research had four main objectives. I.e. to look at how the mass media have contributed to sensitization on governance issues in the Nubian community in Kibera slums as well as investigate the extent to which mass media have contributed to education of youth and women amongst the Nubian community in Kibera slums. The research also looked at the contribution of mass media on poverty eradication programs and finally, the study looked at the extent in which the mass media have highlighted land issues affecting the Nubian community in Kibera slums in Kenya. Simple random sampling was used to obtain efficiency and achieve the desired sample.

The researcher applied survey design to gather data from the various villages inhabited by the Nubian community in Kibera slums. Quantitative was used in data collection. This approach involved the use of structured questions where the response options have been predetermined. The researcher sought to use this 'approach because it is more objective and it helps In achieving high levels of reliability and a higher degree of objectivity (Borg and Gall, 1993). From the data gathered and analysed, the study concluded that the mass media have not been involved in sensitization of governance issues affecting Nubian community but have been actively involved in highlighting the plight of youth and women. The study also found out that the media have been involved in poverty eradication projects as well as highlighting land issues' affecting the Nubian community.