The Images and Rights of Migrants in the Kenyan Media

Abstract

Existing research shows that media coverage has a significant influence on public and policy makers’ attitudes towards migrants and migration. Yet in Kenya, scholars have ignored media coverage in research examining public opinion towards migration or media’s portrayal of migration. The study examines how research has presented migration as depicted in the media, specifically; negative news portrayals of migrants have strong implications for opinion towards migration as opposed to positive portrayals. It is also important to note that high volumes of media coverage regarding any particular issue should increase awareness and concern in the minds of the public. Although the media highlights human rights perspective of the migrants, their reporting portrays migrants as a threat to national security. It does not challenge the involvement of those responsible for safeguarding borders; consequently such skewed coverage is likely to injure the reputation of the entire migration. Scholars and policy makers must acknowledge the agenda setting role of the media as it influences policy change and academic research. The research is part of the larger literature which seeks to increase more knowledge on media and migration. Further this paper utilized agenda setting theory and network theory in explaining portrayal of migration by Kenyan media. In addition, this paper used survey data and content analysis of media coverage of migrants and migration to examine the influence of news exposure on attitudes in the society. The paper purposively selected four main media outlets due to their regional coverage and data was retrieved from Media Council of Kenya’s Newbase for print and Volicon for broadcast media while at the same time conducted 8 interviews on editors. The findings showed the media predominantly portrayed migrants as victims, threats to security; this increases awareness and concern about rights of migrants as witnessed from militarization of migration in Europe. While it is evident immigration issues attract media attention, there is need for human rights advocates and the media to increase information that reduces uncertainties surrounding immigration.