Pattern of coverage of harmful cosmetics after the ban by the Kenya Bureau of Standards: a content analysis by The Daily Nation and The East African Standard

Abstract

This study examines how the Daily Nation and East African Standard Newspapers covered the ban of harmful cosmetics by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) - an issue of public concern. Content analysis was carried out using variables: Prominence, type of stories, Placement, space allocation, number of articles and frequency of coverage. Detailed content analysis of each edition of Nation and Standard published in the Month of May was done. There was heightened coverage due to the ban by KEBS. The study confirms that the media has a great agenda- setting and gate-keeping role in propagating information on issues of public interest, by creating awareness and initiating debate/discussions to clarify such issues.