A closer look at Kenya's media industry reveals a preference for patronage over merit, with top media executives prioritizing personal connections and financial gain over quality content.
In contrast, American media networks like HBO are known to headhunt talented content creators, resulting in high-quality programming that attracts a large and loyal audience.
Evidence of Mediocrity ¶
Local media houses have been criticized for airing low-quality content, including Mexican soap operas and Nigerian movies, despite the availability of talented Kenyan content creators. The emphasis on corporate sponsorship over quality content has led to a lack of diversity and innovation in Kenyan media.
For instance, the Westgate terror-attack documentary produced by HBO, which featured interviews with over 80 survivors and rescuers, was not aired by any local channel due to alleged orders from State House.
Response from Media Executives ¶
Media executives like Linus Kaikai and Wachira Waruru have been accused of perpetuating the culture of mediocrity, with their claims that Kenyans can only consume low-quality content. However, the success of pay-TV channels and DVD shops in Kenya suggests that there is a demand for high-quality content.
Consequences of Mediocrity ¶
The prioritization of patronage over merit has led to a decline in the quality of Kenyan media, with many talented content creators opting to showcase their work on social media instead. This has resulted in a loss of revenue and viewership for local media houses, which are struggling to compete with international streaming services like Netflix.
The acquisition of rights to the Kenyan Premier League by South African company Supersport is a prime example of how local broadcasters are failing to capitalize on opportunities, leading to a decline in their profitability and relevance.
Call to Action ¶
It is imperative that Kenyan media houses adopt a more merit-based approach to content creation, seeking out talented individuals and investing in high-quality programming. By doing so, they can regain the trust of their audience, increase their revenue, and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nation.
