Do They Preach Water But Drink Wine? Examining “The Corruption Dragon” in Kenyan Journalism

ABSTRACT

This was a national survey conducted in 2012–2013 (N = 504) that examined the prevalence of corruption in journalism practice in Kenya. Findings show that a majority of respondents (74%) believe that corruption is rife in Kenyan media. Nearly 46% of Kenyan journalists learned the art of corruption through the source–journalist relationship, followed by the legacy inherited from older generations (20.3%). Cash money (40%) is the most common form of corruption—and politicians are the top bribe-givers to local journalists, followed by businesspeople. More than 77% of Kenyan journalists say corruption in the local media compromises objective journalism.

Acknowledgment

The author thanks Professor Lars Willnat for his insightful feedback on the article.

Funding

This work was supported by The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications, Nairobi, Kenya.

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications, Nairobi, Kenya.