Ethnic Media and Rural Development in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has seen a rapid expansion in the number and popularity of Ethnic FM Radio stations, among the reasons for this are: the liberalization of the airwaves and the relaxing of broadcasting monopolies by the state. The aim of this paper is to analyze the contribution of Ethnic Media to the development of the rural communities. The paper seeks to demonstrate the linkage between Ethnic FM Radio Broadcasting and community development at the grassroots level. The findings of this study indicate that Ethnic Media influence community development in Kenya by facilitating grassroots-level participation through different developmental programmes that have positively contributed to changing the rural people’s ways of life. The stations produce ‘local content’ in the ‘local language’, thus giving people a chance to contribute their views on the programmes relevant to their needs. These include programmes on farming, health, environment, and business. Such programmes feature experts, professionals and opinion leaders who address numerous developmental topics.