“I Wish They Knew that We are Doing This for Them”

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between community journalists and residents in Kibera, a sizable slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Focusing on two videojournalism initiatives, this research explores the structural and cultural features of Kibera that impacted residents' participation and nonparticipation in these projects. Findings reveal that many residents were unfamiliar with these projects because the organizations were located in a more expensive part of Kibera and the videos were not regularly distributed locally. In addition, Kibera has a history of exploitation by media producers and nongovernmental organizations, so residents are conditioned to be wary of journalism organizations. Thus, while journalists believed they were providing a service to the community, many residents did not see the value of this work. This study reveals that journalists in contentious communities must dedicate adequate resources to building productive relationships with those who are not actively engaged in news production. Otherwise, those who do not believe that journalists are serving the best interest of the community may choose to resist this work.

KEYWORDS:

• community journalism
• community media
• distribution
• Kenya
• Kibera
• NGOs
• nonparticipants
• participatory video

FUNDING

This research was funded in part by a graduate fellowship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism & Mass Communication and a Scott Kloeck-Jenson Fellowship for Pre-Dissertation Travel.

Notes

1. Names provided here are pseudonyms.

2. Existing scholarship offers a variety of terms for media that are created outside established power structures, seek to provide alternative perspectives, and serve otherwise neglected populations. I use the phrase “community media” here to discuss research that describes both journalistic and entertainment media produced in conjunction with a specific geographic or cultural community. I use “community journalism” when discussing groups that primarily serve a news function for their respective communities.

3. An estimate, as population figures for Kibera vary widely (Karanja 2010; Marras 2008).

4. In Kenya, “youth” is a broad term used to describe this generation of young adults. It is very common for development projects in Kibera to target “Kibera youth”.

5. “Temporary” defines the materials, not the durability of these structures. Unless destroyed by fire, flood, or government clearance, most temporary buildings are, in practice, relatively permanent.

6. Numbers reflect 2010 rates when the conversion rate was approximately US$1 for 75–80 KSH.

7. Like small movie theaters. Patrons pay to sit in a room with a TV, typically showing films or sporting events.

8. To avoid using pay toilets or to protect themselves against security threats at night, some residents will defecate in plastic bags and throw them outside the home, thus, creating “flying toilets”.

9. The Swahili word for foreigner, often used to reference a white person.

Additional information

Funding

FUNDING This research was funded in part by a graduate fellowship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism & Mass Communication and a Scott Kloeck-Jenson Fellowship for Pre-Dissertation Travel.