The contribution of community radio in promoting good governance through public participation in Murang’a county: a case study of Kangema Ranet Fm

Abstract

This study critically analyzed the role community media plays by examining how radio can be an essential tool of ensuring principles of good governance by ensuring community participation. The researcher used descriptive design so as to adopt descriptive statistics. The researcher applied multi-stage random sampling method and purposive method. Data collection was undertaken using questionnaire and interviews. The researcher concentrated on three sub- counties; Kangema, Kigumo and Kiharu. In the three, the researcher further subdivided the counties into wards, where three wards in each sub county were selected for study. The picked were: Kinyona, Kangari, Kigumo, Kanyenyeini, Iyego, Rwathia, Murarandia, Mugoiri and Kahuro. From each ward the researcher picked 22 respondents. The findings of the research indicated that the station highly contribute on promoting good governance in Murang‘a county by encouraging community participation through use of Community‘s own language. Kangema FM offers the community an opportunity to participate on governance issues by providing them with information, giving them an opportunity to be part of content developers, using their own language and hiring from the community. Kangema FM is both a radio station and weather station that constantly airs weather alerts for farmers in Murang‘a County. The use of Kikuyu dialect as the presentation language was seen as a way of enhancing participation on issues of governance. County government official were noted to be using the station on passing information but still a majority of respondent felt they were not doing enough to enhance participation on governance issues. Programme content was not tailored to focus more on public participation on governance issues. The research recommended involvement of community leaders and community in content development