Kenyan Pundit

It’s seems like the proverbial shit will not stop hitting the fan in Kenya.

Just landed back from San Francisco to find this mess.

I mean what the hell is this all about? I’m totally perplexed. Doesn’t this “crack sqaud” have better things to do, for instance like solve real crimes? Wasn’t the Kalonzo story among one of the more innocuous one’s published by the Standard? It would have totally gone under the radar if the government hadn’t reacted to it…I really fail to see what is causing this reaction. I think the problem with Kibaki’s advisers is that these guys suck even at being politicians, because anyone with a single political bone in their body would not pull such a move. Now even the stories in the gutter press will be believeable. And Michuki? Does the guy still think he’s a DC for the colonial government?

Anyway, I’m tired of ranting about this government nowadays…I rather reserve my “airtime” towards things that actually make a difference. Besides, Ms. K and Mental have done an excellent job of saying what needs to be said. Also worth a read is Keguro’s protest campaign (see the comments esp) and Jewel in the Jungle’s round-up of links on the story.

The one silver lining has been the reaction of the Kenyan people; their voice is strengthening day by day and to me that is what Kenya needs the most - a non-complacent citizenry.

Featuring wonderful African writers. Get your copy now.

G21 is also featuring a number of Kenyan writers this week. Moraa Gitaa on “Maji na Uhai“, Simiyu Barasa on “Kenya: The Drinking Nation“, Joy Wanjiku on “Porn and Feminism“, and

Hat tip Rod!

You an aspiring African writer looking to get published (hello KBW?), get in touch with Rod via: rod-at-g21.net

First, the Nigerian blogosphere was recently featured in the mainstream press. And the Washington Post featured Sudanese rebels who are running their rebellions via blogs. Then Thinker and other Kenyan bloggers get profiled in the Standard (with proper attribution and all!) courtesy of this post.

AOB: Mtaa FM.

While Pt IV. of the Kenyan journalism series is still cooking, I’d like to give credit where it’s due. I’d like to see more pieces like this.

AOB: If all goes as planned, this will soon change. A conversation with a parliament insider about a week ago revealed that there is no real reason for the current state of things beyond a lethargic IT department and a fear of relinquishing the status quo by both politics and long-time parliament bureaucrats who guard info related to parliament like their lives depended on it (trust me I know). Basically, almost no one within parliament is interested in opening up and those who are don’t have any clout. He also wondered whether Kenyans would even be interested in knowing more about what their Parliamentarians were up to. In his view, just a minority would really care. The rest are willing to be razzle-dazzled in political rallies. The fact that Ruto is now a presidential candidate (this is only one of the shady land deals that he is alleged to have engaged in, grapevine claims there is a Mau forest storo), that Mudavadi (Goldenberg hello?) is now back on center stage, and that Shakombo (Likoni clashes hello?) is a Minister make me inclined to agree. In any event this theory will soon be tested.

Spurred on by more comments…

I’d like to start be revisiting a line in Gukira’s post that inspired Pt. I: “We have long complained that the Western press presents “rubbish stories,” indifferent to “real issues.” Is the Kenyan press no less complicit?” It’s been interesting to see some of the comments citing the same reasons that mainstream Western media houses raise when challenged about their poor/biased/stereotypical coverage of Africa i.e. our readers are not interested/don’t care/that sophisticated, we have a business to run, this doesn’t sell, we don’t have the resources to cover Africa “well” etc. If we easily “pooh-pooh” (yeah, I just wrote that) these excuses when they are put on the table by CNN, Reuters, NY Times etc., we should also be reluctant to accept the same excuses when it comes to African journalism. I’m not saying that they are not valid challenges and that running a paper is easy (hell what do I know), just that we shouldn’t accept complacency and mediocrity so easily.

Then there’s the issue of what the mwananchi wants to read…

In Acolyte’s view: When you say that you want to read hard hitting journalism with a social agenda you are not speaking for the common man but an educated elite. The newspapers try to cater for the lowest common denominator the mwanainchi and the people have voted with their pockets that they like what they are being served. Mymmoh adds: “I have to point out that I think the general Kenyan audience is not ready for “good journalism”. Kenyans prefer random excitement. Sensationalism and not really fact.”

I would challenge both these statements given that they are coming from the educated elite Not sure that any of us are well-placed to speak on what the “common” Kenyan wants to see in a paper…but here’s my two cents anyway Yes, people (not just mwananchi) don’t want to read “dry” papers…there should be a balance between “hard news” and other stuff…all papers have that. And yes, there is an interest in sensationalist stuff…that’s why you have tabloids (and if they were that popular they would be more than the rag-tag affairs that they are). But there is also, I think, a deep need for information and “good journalism”…that’s why when the Daily Nation and Standard sell out it’s usually because of some great investigative journalism or really good reporting on an issue that resonates with people. I’ve traveled a lot and I don’t think I’ve ever come across a country like Kenya where papers are read voraciously…there’s literally a compe in the office, in the house, at the school library, in the matatu (where the guy next to you will almost stop you from turning the page because he hasn’t finished reading a storo) etc. for the paper. I think if more people could afford to spend Kshs 35 on a paper everyday, readership would be higher (that’s a whole other issue). I don’t see the same thing going on with more sensationalist papers.

Moving on…

What would I like to see? Exactly what Gukira suggests: Think Jua-Kali. Instead of a full-blown paper, how about a weekly or fortnightly zine? Short, very short–20-25 pages. Perhaps two to three “article” length piece, but then a lot of occasional writing–100-150 word pieces that “report” on specific locations, constituencies, initiatives, that draws from a wide pool of writers. “the people. He adds: zines! zines! zines! I know I seem obsessed. But I keep thinking about taking school magazines as a model for how to think about networks of locally-driven, relatively inexpensive zines, fortnightly or monthly, that could speak to local concerns, while also achieving some sort of national forum. I think Aco is right on “official” reporters. But what about the power of unofficial reporting. Biased, true. Partial, true. Perhaps inflamatory. But also, at times, a spur to action (at least in my ideal world). Think about how small zines could actually begin to develop civic responsibility in local high school populations, offer chances for small workshops from established reporters and journalists. Did I mention that international foundations, especially those dedicated to democratic causes, would absolutely leap at the idea of a people’s press? I know we have issues with accepting international funding, but it could be one way. Locally-run, high-school and radio-based zines. Short pieces. I think very jua kali.

I LOVE this idea…particularly the part about using local high schools (did your high school have an “informal” paper…mine did and there was a lot of talent reflected there…until the administration shut it down) and perhaps journalism students who want to gain some experience. Maybe a newsie Kwani? I think if internet access was not an issue both in terms of publishing and readership, blogging could be one way to harness the power of unofficial reporting. Since we don’t have this option “zines” would be the next best thing…only problem is that is so hard/frustrating to get Kenyans involved in anything that requires a bit of volunteerism, that doesn’t reflect an immediate personal gain, that is perceived to involve “idealism” etc…trust me, I’ve tried.

And ideally beyond the Jua Kali, a Kenyan version of this (The East African comes kinda close).

OK, I think I’ve exhausted this topic for now, no?