| dc.description.abstract | The main concern of this study was to conduct an investigation into how the local mainstream print media covered the ethnic conflict in Marsabit between May 1, 2005 and September 30,
2005. Two newspapers, the Nation and the East African Standard were examined. The study
aimed to bring into focus the performance of the local mainstream press in covering ethnic conflicts in the wider northern Kenya region.
The study also aimed to establish whether the coverage of ethnic conflict in northern Kenya by the country's mainstream press facilitates the conflict resolution process in the region. In addition, it sought to establish strengths and weaknesses of the coverage and to offer recommendations on how future coverage may be improved.
That the mass media can influence the course and outcomes of armed conflicts is not in doubt. This study was conducted in recognition of the fact that negative publicity associated with ethnic conflict in northern Kenya adversely affects the tourism industry, the mainstay of the country's economy in addition to discouraging much needed foreign investment. The study was conducted based on the following hypotheses: Firstly, the local mainstream media's coverage of ethnic clashes in Marsabit caused the public's misunderstanding of the conflict's nature. Secondly, the coverage did not facilitate conflict resolution.
To achieve its objectives, the study employed the content analysis methodology whereby several aspects and dimensions of coverage such as frequency of headlines, front-page articles, and space allocation among others were documented and examined in detail.
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The main' findings of this study revealed that the local mainstream print media did not accord the ethnic conflict in Marsabit the attention it warranted. Apart from being insufficient, the coverage contained factual errors and omitted crucial details about particular incidents. The result of such coverage was that the public was misled into believing that the conflict was a minor one, and this attitude is responsible for hampering efforts towards effective participation in the conflict resolution process.
In the final chapter the study offered recommendations on how the coverage of conflicts in northern Kenya can be improved in future, namely, the use of all-rounded journalists, identifying aggressors, use of embedded journalists, more space allocation, seeking credible sources and the maintainance of continuous cov,erage of the conflict. | en |
