Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation through Recognition: Assessing an Integrated Peace Media Strategy in Kenya

Abstract

This research analyzes a peace-media initiative in Kenya designed to promote conflict resolution and reconciliation in the months following the 2007 post-election violence. This multifaceted intervention featured a 19-episode television talk show that aired in Kenya for six months; a series of open-air screenings of the show; and workshops held in eight areas heavily affected by the violence. Using criteria for evaluating “media for peace,” I evaluate the effectiveness of the program strategy and provide recommendations for practitioners and researchers. Based on interview data, and analysis of internal documents and the talk show, I assess the program's effectiveness and offer suggestions, which can be used by both practitioners and academics interested in peace media. In addition, the findings suggest that recognition of the other was an important part of the conflict resolution process as workshop members recognized their “enemies” and Kenyans from disparate parts of the country as similar to themselves in their experience of the violence. This research contributes to our understanding of the implementation of media-for-peace initiatives using a systemic evaluation process that academics and practitioners can use when designing, implementing, and researching these types of programs.

Keywords:

• Conflict Resolution
• Peace Media
• Kenya
• Integrated Media

Notes

[1] The Mathare facilitators were unreachable. We tried to reach the facilitators for two months with no success; therefore, to include Mathare in the study, I interviewed two participants.

[2] The facilitator interviews were undertaken at the request of MFAF with the following agreement: I would not be paid to conduct the research, but the organization would cover travel expenses to the regions outside Nairobi; the data would belong to me to be used for academic purposes; I would provide recommendations to MFAF based on my assessment to be used in informing future programming. I provided MFAF with a report based on my findings. MFAF helped facilitate the interviews by providing contact information and in some cases making the first contact. Before proceeding with the interviews, I informed interviewees that I was not affiliated with Media Focus and told them the purpose of the study.

[3] Approximately US$0.25.