Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Just because a nation regularly holds elections does not mean the path to democratization—and media freedom—is smooth. Chapter 4 shows that external measures indicate that Kenya has more press freedom than neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda, and journalists in the country perceive that to be true and have an optimistic outlook. However, data show ups and downs of media freedom that have mirrored varying political administrations and events, including spurts of post-election violence, largely due to politicians being deeply entangled with the news media. Despite the challenges, the nation has more press freedom than its neighbours, which journalists attribute to the vast international connections that the country and its leaders have, as well as an empowered civil society, which stems from both a space for dissent given by public officials as well as the culture and spirit of Kenyans which has promoted the growth of human rights, including media freedoms.