The role of radio in peace building: the case of the pokot- turkana conflict

Abstract

Radio plays an important role of peace building which is often ignored by policy makers, stakeholders, and even security personnel. The radio stations in Pokot and Turkana are working towards ensuring peaceful coexistence between communities. However, despite the many radio stations in Pokot and Turkana Counties, conflict between the two communities still persists to date. The purpose of the study was to establish the role of radio in peace building; a case of Pokot-Turkana conflict. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; To identify the radio programs that focus on peace as a key issue among the Pokot and Turkana communities; To examine the messages conveyed in the radio programs that address peace as a key issue among the Pokot and the Turkana; To determine the understanding of the messages conveyed by these radio programs among the Pokot and the Turkana; To establish the challenges faced by radio stations in promoting peace among the Pokot and the Turkana. The study was grounded on two theories namely; Peace Journalism theory and agent setting theory. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The target population of the study included two radio stations, namely; Kalya FM and Ata Nayeche FM, and community members in the Pokot and Turkana region. Using purposive sampling, the study sample was made up of 44 respondents. An interview guide was used to collect data from the four staff members from Kalya FM and Ata Nayeche sampled while four focus group discussion were used to collect data from the community members. The interview guide, Focus group discussions and secondary sources of data collected qualitative data. The data was therefore analyzed on the basis of conceptual content analysis. The study revealed that the two radio stations did not have an adequate number of programs focusing majorly on peace. The study indicated that the two radio stations conveyed the message of togetherness, peace and unity through framing of messages. The study indicated that by using vernacular language, celebrities and professionals as guests the radio stations enhanced audience understanding. Moreover, conducting dialogues with community members and guests was also identified essential in radio programming. The challenge identified in promoting peace building included deciding on either to make profits or promote peace, internal competition in media houses, poor working conditions and poor employee motivation. The study agreed with the peace journalism theory to the extent that the media needs to take a serious stand in promoting peace in each program. Lastly in relation to agenda setting theory the study revealed that framing messages was a key element of effective communication on any topic including peace issues. The study recommended that the government needs to establish a radio station operated by people from the two communities to act as an example for peaceful coexistence. In addition, the study suggested that further studies need to be conducted focusing on other radio stations such as radio Akicha, Maata FM and Serian FM which operate in the Turkana and Pokot region and how they have participated in promoting peace in the area.