Impact of Vernacular Radio Regulatory Policies on Peacebuilding During 2007, 2012, and 2017 Conflicts in Presidential Elections in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the Ramogi Vernacular FM Radio Station and peacebuilding interventions during conflicts arising from presidential elections in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the impact of Vernacular Radio regulatory editorial policies on peacebuilding. The study was guided by Agenda setting theory. The study used a mixed method (triangulation) research design. Purposive, Stratified, and Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample size of 384 respondents. However, 345 (89.8%) respondents from the sample were injected into the study whereby 104 were Head teachers of Primary Schools; 44 principals of secondary schools; 7 Sub-County Administrators; 67 Market Chairpersons; 38 supermarket Proprietors: 56 Bodaboda (Motor Cycle) Operators; 25 Bodaboda Sacco Chairpersons in Kisumu County and 4 Media Persons returned questionnaires and a ration of 1:10 was interviewed. Data for the study was collected by the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. Pearson’s r for the reliability of piloted data was +0.89 for educationists and +0.82 for business fraternity which indicated good internal consistency. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables and pie charts. Qualitative data was thematically analysed using NVIVO and presented through thematic narratives, which involved the identification and interpretation of patterns and themes whereby inferential statistics were used to gauge influence. The finding showed that the media outlets freely broadcast to residents. Further, social actors’ utterances were not monitored and this was a recipe for chaotic outcomes. This research recommended that there is a need for policy formulation to fill gaps in media policies to facilitate freedom of the press, need for political accountability, and need to adapt inter-cultural dialogue to enhance social cohesion.