What was the role of the debate programme Sema Kenya in the 2013 Kenyan election? Research Briefing Issue 5

This briefing identifies how the the TV and radio debate programme 'Kenya Speaks' supported accountability, peace and inclusion

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2014
Country:
Kenya
Document Type:
Briefing
Theme:
Governance and Conflict
Authors:
Page, G. and Githitho Muriithi, A.

Abstract

This briefing paper is a summary of findings from BBC Media Action research. It seeks to identify the extent to which the national TV and radio debate programme Sema Kenya (Kenya Speaks), part of BBC Media Action’s governance work in Kenya, supported accountability, peace and inclusion at the time of the 2013 Kenya election.

Findings include:

  • After being complicit in post-election violence in 2007, Kenyan media swung to the other extreme in 2013 when it self-censored to avoid instigating violence.
  • In this environment, Sema Kenya provided the public with constructive, moderated, audience-driven discussion and, arguably, more detailed information than other media sources.
  • By providing a platform for dialogue, where citizens were visibly empowered to question their leaders, the programme also made a contribution to supporting individuals to hold government officials to account.

See also Research Report Issue 5.

Citation

Githitho Muriithi, A.; Page, G. What was the role of the debate programme Sema Kenya in the 2013 Kenyan election? Research Briefing Issue 5. BBC Media Action, London, UK (2014) 8 pp.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2014
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