| dc.description.abstract | This study was stimulated by the rapid rise in the number of vernacular FM radios in Kenya. It
expounds the relationship between vernacular radio and peace building. How best vernacular radio
can help the audience live in harmony and have peaceful coexistence even between various ethnic
groups. This was done through a case study of radio Mayienga, a government owned vernacular
radio that broadcasts in Dholuo language and reaches the counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay and
Migori. The study sought to inquire if radio Mayienga has had any significant role in influencing
attitudes and perceptions of its listeners in Kondele Kisumu through its daily programming. The
study was guided by the conviction that vernacular radio has the potential of promoting peaceful
coexistence and that audience participation is a key to this.The overarching research question was: In
what ways is radio Mayienga contributing in the peaceful coexistence of its audience? Specific
questions were tailored to find out about programming, perceptions and attitudes on the parts of both
the listeners and the programme makers. The findings of this study reveal that through the
programming of radio Mayienga, communities were able to actively participate in deliberation of
issues and find solutions to divergent standings thereby resulting in peacefully co-exist. The findings
also reveal that Radio Mayienga influenced peaceful co-existence among its listeners through its
programmes, a big percentage of the respondents were found to have a strong feeling that through its
programmes, radio Mayienga helped them change their attitudes and behavior especially in conflict
ridden areas. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting listeners of radio Mayienga
whereby respondents were chosen using random sampling techniques. Empirical data was collected
through questionnaires, personal interviews with the station staff and a focus group discussion. The
field interviews were conducted in Kondele Kisumu County between August 1st to August 30th
2013.Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics using frequencies, percentages and means. It is
then presented through figures, tables, charts and in prose.
The study concludes that while vernacular radio stations world over are the ideal platforms on
which the marginalized, rural and peri -urban populations can access information that in turn shape
the peace agenda, there is need for further studies to be conducted on the subject with the view of
promoting the effectiveness of vernacular radios in Kenya and in particular radio Mayienga being
the government tool in addressing the collective needs of peace building.The study ends with some
recommendations on how best the various stakeholders in vernacular radio industry can and should
use this important tool to promote peace. | en |
