Print media reporting of taxation issues in Kenya
Abstract
Tax education is an essential issue that needs attention for any country working towards National
development. The media has a role in educating and creating awareness on policy matters
pertaining taxation to the society. In Kenya’s mass media system and the editors have legitimate
powers to decide on print content and placement. Kenya enjoys a more diverse and liberalized
media than any other African country and therefore a good chance in in-depth reporting of
taxation. Taxation policies exist in our country but they need to be educated and sensitized to the
public. Taxation enjoys placement in the business pullouts and also enjoys personality focus.
The study sought to find out how taxation is reported in the print media in Kenya a case of the
Daily Nation and the Standard newspapers. The period taken was June to December 2013;
during the budget reading, post budget review and after the 1st revenue quarter. A content
analysis of the daily newspapers (Monday to Friday) publications specifically Nation and
Standard was done. The population of this study comprised 360 publications within the six
months period. Analysis of the findings was done with the help of a code sheet.
From the findings, the study concludes that taxation reporting in the print media is sensational
and seasonal. Media houses are primarily profit making organizations. They focus their reporting
to news that will sale and hence report taxation prominently when it touches on top government
officials. The study recommends that the media as an informational tool should give taxation
prominence in their reporting and must play a watch dog role in highlighting government
projects that are implemented using the government tax.
Publisher
University of Nairobi