The Elections Approach

I’m writing this entry on a beautiful Nairobi afternoon, sunny with a breeze, and just two days before Kenyans go to the polls. Driving today felt very different from other days. I heard there were large, raucous political party gatherings near the Central Business District; crowds and bad traffic could likely be found in that part of the city midday. But where I am, there’s hardly any traffic and it’s quieter all around.

This past week I visited with several Coordinators, documented Sisi Ni Amani making final preparations for the March 4th elections, and visited Ghetto Radio.

Engaging with Underserved Communities through Radio

Early this morning I headed off to meet Sisi Ni Amani Coordinator Sammy at Ghetto Radio. The program hosts interviewed him for a short segment about Sisi Ni Amani’s work to air at 8 AM. Ghetto Radio started transmitting in Sheng and Swahili in 2008 and is a favorite of Nairobi youth. Like Sisi Ni Amani, the station saw a need to target Nairobi’s Eastlands. The station’s website notes that this is, “an area known for its ghetto and slum neighborhoods. Prior to Ghetto Radio’s establishment, the area had been ignored by commercial media. Eastlands’ inhabitants, who make up 60% of the capital’s population, now have a major outlet through Ghetto Radio…Ghetto Radio’s format has been recognised as unique: focussing on marginalised urban areas, using a mix of street language, local culture and urban music, and a street-level journalistic approach. Ghetto Radio is managed and staffed by a young crew from ghetto areas, all of who understand the codes and responsibilities of a street-credible and reliable operation.”

Below you’ll find a bit of raw footage from this visit to the station and excerpts of an on-air interview with Sammy.

This is just one of the many media appearances Sisi Ni Amani staff have had this past week. A TV station has also produced a public service announcement about Sisi Ni Amani’s SMS subscription program to air in these last days before Monday’s election.

Peace and a New Role for Kenyan Media

While I can’t compare this year with 2007 since I wasn’t here, it feels that many of Kenya’s media outlets in print, TV and radio, including Ghetto Radio, are playing a significant role in promoting peace messages 24/7 for this election. Compared to the 2007-2008 period of post-election violence, many see this more responsible, proactive role of the media as being one of the keys to strengthening Kenyan democracy. Many media agencies are actively challenging voices of division and hate that might incite violence. Check out the Ghetto Radio website’s message board dedicated to peace: http://www.ghettoradio.co.ke/peace-message/