Impact of Mainstream Media on Post-election Conflict Peacebuilding in Africa: the Case of Kenya

Abstract

This study explores the impact of mainstream media on post-election conflict peacebuilding in Africa: The case of Kenya. In fact, the conduct and practice of conflict resolution has been altered by the emergence of media as a strategy and tool for defining agendas as well as the advent of internet worldwide communication. Since then, media has evolved into a tool for resolving conflicts in the modern era. The study was guided by the following objectives; To Assess the Impact of Mainstream Media on Post-Election Conflict Peacebuilding in the 21st Century International System, To Evaluate the Impact of Mainstream Media on Post-Election Conflict Peacebuilding in Africa and To Critically Analyze the Impact of Mainstream Media on Post-Election Conflict Peacebuilding in Kenya. The agenda-setting theory served as the study's compass and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used in a mixed-method approach. A descriptive research design was used for the investigation. This strategy aims to gather information without influencing the respondents or the research variables in an effort to evaluate how broadcast media might be a useful instrument in the effort to promote peace. The findings were that the mainstream media is therefore a critical tool for post-election peacebuilding. The masses rely on information relayed by mainstream media channels, information which can either break or facilitate peace after elections. Mainstream media channels influence post-election peacebuilding in the 21st Century globally, in Africa and Kenya. Media outlets are more capable of influencing post-election peace when they understand their impact on the peacebuilding process, thus should be educated about their impact on post-conflict peacebuilding. The study recommends that media outlets should put in place efficient electoral conflict reporting systems. This will allow for well-coordinated and harmonized information before disseminating to the public. Reporting disharmonized information on electoral conflict can lead to widespread panic that could trigger violence