| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing media training in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives:
1. Examine the entry qualification of students in diploma and certificate media training courses.
2. Assess the training facilities available in the various training colleges offering journalism training in the middle-level training institutions.
3. Identify problems and challenges experienced in the middle-level media training colleges.
4. Examine the media houses' attitudes toward middle-level media training in Kenya.
5. Make recommendations on the viable intervention strategies for the future of journalism training in Kenya.
Both random and purposive sampling techniques were used in the study. The population was categorized into: trainers/administrators, trainees and media houses. Thus the study used three types of questionnaires, targeting the three sample populations. The data collected was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The outcome of quantitative data obtained from closed ended questions was tabulated using tables, graphs and charts through frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data generated from open¬ended questions and from interview schedules were placed in respective sections categorized in themes in accordance with the research objectives.
The findings of the study were presented in accordance with the research objective:
1. Examine the entry qualification of students in certificate and diploma media courses.
The study found that the minimum entry grade to enter certificate course in media training is C- and above while that of the diploma course is C (Plain) and above. Both the trainers and students think that the minimum entry requirement is sufficient enough and that there is no need for review.
2. Assess the training facilities available in the various training institutions offering journalism training.
The study found out that there are quite a number of facilities/equipment needed for training and that most colleges do not have adequate equipment/facilities for training. In most colleges, the emphasis is on computer and they lack equipment/facilities needed in specialized fields of study.
3. Identify problems and challenges experienced in the middle-level media training colleges.
The study found out that these colleges experience a number of problems. Among them are:
Lack of facilities/equipment for training .
• :. Poor students with low KCSE entry grade.
Personal problems on the part of trainers and trainees particularly on financial matters .
Acquiring industrial attachments, among others.
Generally, the study found that most of these colleges lack coordination have poor and unqualified trainers, work with outdated or obsolete equipment, and have sometimes no curriculum among other challenges. There is lack of standardization in terms of curriculum and examination offered in these colleges thus sacrificing on quality. On the issue of industrial attachment, the study found out that this is a beneficial exercise to both the students and trainers in that:
It gives students exposure and experience in media industry .
• It gives students self-confidence in life .
• Students can learn more knowledge and skills that are not learnt in the college thus it acts as a class extension. Among other benefits.
However, students experience problems when looking for/and during the attachment including: Poor communication skills, lack of exposure and experience in handling equipment, sexual harassment among others.
4. Examine media houses' attitudes toward middle-level media training in Kenya.
The study found out that these colleges lack professionalism, lack technical exposure, have unqualified and incompetent trainers and technical staff among other weaknesses. These colleges also have a problem of indiscipline, and that the students lack initiative and confidence needed in life. The study also
emphasized the need for industrial attachment but on closer supervision by the colleges' trainers.
5. Make recommendations on the viable intervention strategies for the future of journalism training in Kenya.
The study suggested the following that if implemented could improve media training in Kenya:
Media training colleges to affiliate with other foreign and local media colleges through exchange programme for both the trainers and trainees .
Media colleges should collaborate with practicing media houses to ensure that these media houses check the quality of graduates produced and influence change through collaboration .
Media colleges' curricula should be standardized through model curricula by seeking assistance from the curriculum experts. KIE should give guidelines on how to make curricula that can satisfy the needs and wants of the media market.
There should be one national media training examination body so as to ensure standards .
Media colleges should admit students based on the available equipment and facilities so that student/equipment ratio is reduced for quality learning .
There is need for media colleges to organize industrial attachment on behalf of the students to avoid some of the problems students experience when looking for or during the attachment. Lecturers from these media colleges should closely supervise students while on attachment to ensure that feedback system is effectively and efficiently implemented. This is
provided for in the Media Council Act 2007 that established the Media
Council of Kenya which among other functions include:
Promote high professional standards amongst journalists.
Enhance professional collaboration among media practitioners.
Advise the government or the relevant regulatory authority on matters pertaining to professional, education and the training of journalists and other media practitioners .
Compile and maintain a register of journalists, media enterprises and such other related registers as it may deem fit.
The government and the entire media industry to come up with
regulatory framework that will implement standards in media training.
The colleges to invest in the modem media technology so that students fit
in the media industry. | en |
