Contents
Map of Nairobi .............................................................................................................................................. 4
About the Embassy ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Biography Ambassador Godec .................................................................................................................. 5
Government of Kenya officials ...................................................................................................................... 6
President Uhuru Kenyatta......................................................................................................................... 6
His Excellency, Uhuru Kenyatta C.G.H. ..................................................................................................... 6
Deputy President William Ruto..................................................................................................................... 8
Hon William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya................................................................ 8
Chief Justice ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya ............................................................ 10
Attorney General ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Speaker of Senate ................................................................................................................................... 13
Speaker of National Assembly ................................................................................................................ 13
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ........................................................................................ 13
Open Source State Department Published Reports ................................................................................... 14
Kenya 2014 Human Rights Report .............................................................................................................. 14
Trafficking in Persons Report 2014 ......................................................................................................... 14
Kenya Country profile ............................................................................................................................. 14
PEPFAR Kenya ............................................................................................................................................. 14
USAID Kenya................................................................................................................................................ 14
USAID Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2014 - 2018 .................. 15
Power Africa - What Power Africa Means For Kenya .............................................................. 15
More Information about Kenya .................................................................................................................. 17
Nairobi Population .................................................................................................................................. 17
CIA World Factbook ................................................................................................................................ 17
Kenya information .................................................................................................................................. 17
Kenya – Nations on line .......................................................................................................................... 17
Kenyan Economy..................................................................................................................................... 17
Kenyan Educational System .................................................................................................................... 17
Kenyatta University ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Biography - Prof. Olive Mugenda, Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor ................................................ 18
State House ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Kasarani Stadium ........................................................................................................................................ 19
UN Nairobi................................................................................................................................................... 19
Al-Shabaab .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Interactive Timeline: Al-Shabab - Council on Foreign Relations ............................................................. 20
Timeline: Attacks in Kenya since 1998 – Al Jazeera ................................................................................ 20
Westgate Mall attack .............................................................................................................................. 20
Garissa University College Attack ........................................................................................................... 20
Statistics on cell phone usage, social media and internet penetration in Kenya ....................................... 22
Important Links ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Global Entrepreneurship Summit ........................................................................................................... 24
Young African Leaders Initiative ............................................................................................................. 24
Kenya Wildlife Service ............................................................................................................................. 24
U.S. – Kenya Relations............................................................................................................................. 24
Background Information about Kenyan Media .......................................................................................... 24
2
3
Map of Nairobi
4
About the Embassy
Biography Ambassador Godec
http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/amb3.html
Ambassador Robert F. Godec
Ambassador Robert F. Godec
Robert F. Godec was nominated by President Obama on September 19, 2012 to be the next
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya and sworn in by Secretary of State Clinton on January 16,
2013. Ambassador Godec was assigned as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy
Nairobi, Kenya in August 2012.
Prior to his assignment in Nairobi, Ambassador Godec was the Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary for the Bureau of Counterterrorism in the Department of State. From 2006 to
2009, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia. Ambassador Godec has also served as a
Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and was Deputy
Coordinator for the Transition in Iraq, charged with organizing the transition of policy and
operational elements of the Coalition Provisional Authority and the standup of U.S. Mission
Iraq.
Before his work on Iraq, Ambassador Godec was Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister
Counselor for Economic Affairs at U.S. Embassy Pretoria, South Africa. He has also served
as Economic Counselor at U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, Assistant Office Director for
Thailand and Burma in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Director for
Southeast Asian Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Ambassador Godec joined the Foreign Service in 1985. Ambassador Godec has a master of
arts degree in international relations from Yale University as well as a bachelor of arts
degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. He attended the State
5
Department's Senior Seminar and has received a Presidential Meritorious Service Award, a
Distinguished Honor Award, and many other awards and commendations.
Ambassador Godec is married to Lori G. Magnusson.
Government of Kenya officials
President Uhuru Kenyatta
http://presidency.go.ke/index.php/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/43his-excellency-uhuru-kenyatta-c-g-h
His Excellency, Uhuru Kenyatta C.G.H.
H.E. Hon Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was born on 26th October 1961. He is the son of Mzee Jomo
Kenyatta, the first President of the Republic of Kenya.
He attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi. He then joined Amherst College, Massachusetts,
USA to study Political Science and Economics.
BUSINESS
Upon his graduation, Hon. Uhuru returned to Kenya and was actively involved in the private
sector as a businessman and entrepreneur. He held executive positions as chairman, chief
executive and Director in varying companies with interest in brick and tile Manufacturers;
tourism and hotel management; agricultural and horticultural farming; pharmaceutical
production and distribution; construction, property management; and milk and dairy products
processing and distribution.
CAREER IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Hon. Kenyatta made his political debut in 1997 when he unsuccessfully ran for the
Parliamentary seat for Gatundu South. In 1999, he was appointed the new chairman of the
Kenya Tourism Board. He was nominated to Parliament in 2001, and became the Minister
for Local Government under President Daniel arap Moi.
6
In March 2001, Uhuru Kenyatta was elected as one of the four national vice-chairmen of the
Kenya African National Union (KANU) party. Hon. Kenyatta then ran for President as KANU’s
candidate in the December 2002 presidential election, but lost to opposition candidate Mwai
Kibaki. He conceded defeat and subsequently became Leader of the Official Opposition in
Parliament. In January 2005, Hon. Kenyatta was elected National Chairman of the Kenya
African National Union party (KANU).
He actively participated and facilitated the nationwide party elections culminating in the
historical election of the National Executive Council of KANU. He was elected Gatundu South
Constituency Member of Parliament for two terms in 2002 and 2007. During his tenure as MP,
he actively initiated and participated in development projects including: planning;
development, sourcing and soliciting funds for projects such as electricity, water, roads,
schools, churches, hospitals and other community projects; and assisting local groups,
especially the youth and lower income groups in financial growth and development in general
welfare activities. In 2005, he led his party in campaigns against the draft constitution in the
November 2005 constitutional referendum.
On 13 September 2007, Hon. Kenyatta withdrew from the December 2007 and backed Mwai
Kibaki for re-election in the December 2007 presidential election.
Kibaki appointed Hon.
Kenyatta as Minister for Local Government on 8 January 2008. Hon. Kenyatta was appointed
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade in April 2008.
In the same year, he was
transferred to the Treasury as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, as part of the
Grand Coalition Cabinet, where he served up to January 2012.
In Treasury, he served as a Governor of the East African Development Bank (EADB) and a
member of the Committee of Ten comprising five African Finance Ministers and five Central
Bank Governors, which is a working group established under the aegis of African Development
Bank. He also served as Member of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
7
Deputy President William Ruto
http://presidency.go.ke/index.php/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/44h-e-hon-william-ruto-deputy-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya
Hon William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya
William Samoei Ruto is the First Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya
He was born on December 21st, 1966 in Sambut Village, Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County in the Rift Valley.
He is fourth among six children.
He is the first elected Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. Previously, Kenya had
appointed vice-presidents who served entirely at the pleasure of the President.
Mr Ruto attended Kamagut Primary School where he sat for his Certificate of Primary
Education in 1982, then proceeded to Wareng’ Secondary School in Eldoret for his
secondary schooling.
After his O- Levels, he proceeded to Kapsabet High School in Nandi County for his A –Levels
after which he was admitted to University of Nairobi to study Botany and Zoology for his
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree.
He graduated top of his class at the University and was offered a scholarship to take up
post-graduate studies at the college.
Mr Ruto commenced course work for his Master of Science in 1991, but deferred his
research in 1992 when he was employed by the Kenya African National Union in their
successful presidential re-election campaign.
In 2008, he graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Plant Ecology. Mr Ruto is
married to Rachel Chebet, a teacher, who he met when they were both undergraduate
students at the University of Nairobi. They have six children.
8
During university holidays Deputy President Ruto taught in Sergoit and Kamagut secondary
schools both in Uasin Gishu County as an untrained teacher. At the University, Mr Ruto was
a leader of the students' Christian Union.
Political Background
The Deputy President joined mainstream politics in 1997 when he was elected Member of
Parliament for Eldoret North constituency on the Kenya African National Union (KANU)
ticket. Before then, he had successfully contested various party branch positions.
He established himself as an astute politician and he rose rapidly within the party becoming
its secretary general in 2005.
He was appointed Home Affairs Assistant Minister in 2002 and re-elected into Parliament in
the General Election later the same year.
Mr Ruto was a key component of President Uhuru Kenyatta's first presidential campaign in
that election. However, Mr Kenyatta lost to Mwai Kibaki of the National Rainbow Coalition,
NARC. Mr Ruto stood by Mr Kenyatta’s side as he conceded defeat and congratulated the
President-elect, becoming the first presidential contender to do so.
Mr Ruto also served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on
Constitutional Reform in the 9th Parliament and led the process of assembling the team and
setting up the structures that put Kenya on the road to a new constitution.
In January 2006, Mr Ruto declared he would join the 2007 presidential race. However, he
lost in the party’s nominations.
He was appointed Minister for Agriculture in the Coalition Government that was formed. He
served for three years.
His tenure at the Ministry of Agriculture stands out and his achievements are billed as the
modern yardstick of performance politics in Kenya.
Mr Ruto revived irrigation schemes and provided cheaper fertilizer to farmers in addition to
ensuring the maize, sugarcane, coffee and tea sectors had a bumper harvest and a ready
market.
He was transferred to the Ministry of Higher Education where he set up structures to reform
the university education system.
9
Known for his political savvy and drive, Mr Ruto has managed to propel himself from
relative insignificance to a position of indisputable import in Kenya’s politics.
Chief Justice - Hon. Dr. Willy Mutunga, D.jur, SC, EGH
Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya
http://kenyalaw.org/kl/index.php?id=3321
Hon. Dr. Willy Mutunga, D.Jur, SC, EGH
The Hon. Chief Justice, Dr. Willy M. Mutunga, was appointed to the Supreme Court of Kenya
on 22nd June, 2011. He is a holder of a Doctorate Degree in Jurisprudence obtained in
1992 from Osgoode Hall law School at York University in Toronto, Canada. His area of
study was Contracts.
Dr. Mutunga obtained both his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and
Master of Laws degrees from the University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania in 1971 and 1974
respectively.
Dr. Mutunga joined the University of Nairobi as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law in October
1974. While at the University of Nairobi, he served as the secretary-general of the
University Staff Union from April 1979 until July 1980 when it was banned. Dr. Mutunga
was thereafter detained for 16 months (1982-3) for his activism while at the University of
Nairobi and for his work at the Legal Advice Centre (Kituo Cha Sheria).
Dr. Mutunga has established and served in many civil society organizations, among them
the Legal Advice Centre (Kituo Cha Sheria); the Law Society of Kenya, where he served as
vice-chairman from 1991 to 1993 and chairman from 1993 to 1995; the Council for Legal
Education, Kenya; the Citizens Coalition for Constitutional Change (4Cs); the Kenya Human
Rights Commission; the East African Centre for Constitutional Development (Kituo Cha
10
Katiba), Uganda; and the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic
Development (Rights and Democracy) in Montreal, Canada.
For his outstanding contribution to the development of law, human rights, good governance
and social justice, Dr. Mutunga has received several national and international honours and
awards including: Elder of the Golden Heart for his distinguished service to the nation and
for his role in leading reforms in the Judiciary under the new Constitution (2012);
appointment as Senior Counsel, Government of Kenya (2003); Lifetime Achievement Award
for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights from the Kenya National Commission on
Human Rights, (2003); the Jurist of the Year Award from the International Commission of
Jurists, Kenya Section (2003); and the Law Society of Kenya Distinguished Services Award
for Constitutionalism, Rule of Law and Human Rights, later named the Father Kaiser Award
(1988).
Between 2004 and 2011, Dr. Mutunga wrote a column in the Sunday Nation newspaper
under the pen name of Cabral Pinto. Charles Onyango-Obbo is currently editing a
compilation of these writings.
Dr. Mutunga has published two books: The Rights of Arrested and Accused
Persons (Nairobi: Oxford University Press, 1990) and Constitution-Making from the Middle:
Civil Society and Transition Politics in Kenya, 1992-1997 (Nairobi and Harrare:
Sareat/MWENGO, 1999). He has also published many essays and papers on human rights,
law and society and co-edited and co-authored several books: Governance and Leadership:
Debating the African Condition: Mazrui and His Critics, Vol.1 and Vol. 2, (Africa World Press,
2003) with Alamin M. Mazrui; Black Orientalism and Pan-African Thought: Debating the
African Condition: Ali Mazrui and His Critics, Vol. 3, (Africa World Press, 2013), with
Seifudein Adem and Alamin Mazrui; Human Rights as Politics (Nairobi: Kenya Human Rights
Commission, 2003); and Exposing the Soft Belly of the Multinational Beast: The Struggle for
Workers Rights at Del Monte, (Nairobi: Kenya Human Rights Commission, 2001) with
Francesco Gesualdi and Steve Ouma. He is currently working on two books: his
biography, Inspiring Encounters with Natasha Elkington and Elements of Progressive
Jurisprudence in Kenya with Shermit Lamba as co-author. Since 2011, he has written
articles and delivered speeches which are his vision of laying fundamental foundations for
transforming the Kenyan Judiciary. Professor Sylvia Kang’ara of Riara Law School is editing
these speeches for publication.
11
Dr. Mutunga is an avid reader, is fond of Indian movies and documentaries on
revolutionaries, and religiously meditates and practices yoga. He wishes he could swim
more often.
12
Attorney General
Hon. Prof. Githu Muigai
http://www.pc.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112:honprof
-githu-muigai&catid=83&Itemid=533
Professor Githu Muigai was appointed as Attorney-General of the
Republic of Kenya on 29th August, 2011, and is the principal legal
adviser to the Government. He holds LLB and Ph.D. degrees from the
University of Nairobi and an LLM Degree from Columbia University School
of Law, New York. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators (UK) and a member of the American Association of Trial
Lawyers. He was called to the bar in 1985. In addition to the practice of law, he is an
Associate Professor of Public Law in the School of Law of the University of Nairobi. He is a
specialist in Public Law and trans-national legal practice. He is a recognized authority on
business regulatory matters and in international commercial arbitration.
He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, East African Law Society, Chartered Institute
of Arbitrators, American Association of Trial Lawyers, Institute of Public
Secretaries,
Council of Legal Education, International Commission of Jurists International
Bar and Association and Commonwealth Lawyers Association.
Speaker of Senate - http://info.mzalendo.com/person/ekwee-ethuro/experience/
Speaker of National Assembly - http://info.mzalendo.com/person/justinmuturi/experience/
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Ambassador Amina C.
Mohamed http://www.kenyarep-jp.com/kenya/ministries_profile_e.html
13
Open Source State Department Published Reports
Kenya 2014 Human Rights Report
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/236582.pdf
Trafficking in Persons Report 2014
http://go.usa.gov/3EfMH
Kenya Country profile
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2962.htm
PEPFAR Kenya - The United States (U.S.) is proud to support Kenya’s leadership
in the global HIV/AIDS response. PEPFAR provides service delivery and technical
assistance in Kenya to maximize the quality, coverage, and impact of the national
HIV/AIDS response. Working together with the Government of Kenya, PEPFAR is
aligning investments to scale up interventions that are most effective in the areas
and populations with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS – in line with PEPFAR 3.0.1
Kenya is participating in the, a two-year effort to double the number of children
receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART).
http://www.pepfar.gov/countries/kenya/
USAID Kenya http://www.usaid.gov/kenya
This summer, President Barack
Obama will visit Kenya for the first time during his presidency. As the first sitting
U.S. President to visit Kenya, President Obama’s trip underscores the U.S.
government's efforts to work with the countries and citizens of sub-Saharan Africa
to accelerate economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve
security.
Presidents Kenyatta and Obama will co-lead the Sixth Global Entrepreneurship
Summit in Nairobi on July 25-26. Entrepreneurism is essential to a nation's ability
to prosper in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive global marketplace.
The summit will bring together some of the world’s leading business innovators to
share experiences, make new connections and brainstorm ways to invest in the
next big idea.
14
The friendship between the Republic of Kenya and the United States dates back to
the dawn of Kenyan independence. As an important developing country partner in
east Africa, Kenya is a significant recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. Over the past
fifty years, USAID has worked closely with the Kenyan government, the privatesector, and civil society to:




Advance access to education
Improve quality health care through nutrition, family planning, and maternal
and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and strengthening health
systems programs
Lay a foundation for long-term economic growth through trade, agriculture,
and infrastructure programs
Make devolution work for the benefit of all Kenyans through democracy,
governance and conflict programs
USAID Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2014 - 2018
USAID Kenya Annual Report 2014
Power Africa - What Power Africa Means For Kenya
http://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/partners/african-governments/kenya
Kenya Energy Sector Overview
The Government of Kenya has set forth its “Vision 2030,” a program to transform
Kenya into a “newly industrializing, middle-income” country. However, Kenya has
2,150 MW of generation capacity to serve its population of over 43 million, which
constrains economic growth. Kenya is believed to possess over 7,000 MW of
undeveloped geothermal energy resources in the Rift Valley. Wind (see transactions
below) and biomass energy are also significant potential sources for power
generation. Power Africa is helping Kenya reduce reliance on expensive diesel
fueled generation and other high cost fossil resources.
Kenya aims to increase generation capacity by 23,000 MW by 2030 and by 5,000
MW by 2016. The Government of Kenya is focused on sustaining a stable
investment climate for private sector participation in the sector, developing
expanded transmission and distribution networks to deliver power to customers,
15
maintaining a creditworthy off-taker, maintaining costreflective tariffs, and reducing
inefficiency in the sector to support more affordable end-user tariffs.
16
More Information about Kenya
Nairobi Population
http://www.indexmundi.com/kenya/demographics_profile.html
http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/kenya-population.html
CIA World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/ke.html
Kenya information http://www.infoplease.com/country/kenya.html
Kenya – Nations on line http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/kenya.htm
http://country-facts.findthedata.com/l/173/Kenya
Kenyan Economy
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ke.html
http://www.heritage.org/index/country/kenya
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/kenya/overview
http://www.factmonster.com/country/kenya.html
Kenyan Educational System
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology http://www.education.go.ke/home/
http://www.classbase.com/countries/Kenya/Education-System
http://www.kenpro.org/papers/education-system-kenya-independence.htm
17
Kenyatta University
http://www.ku.ac.ke/
The University’s Main Campus is set on over 1,000 acres with a pleasant and serene
surrounding conducive to academic and intellectual growth.
Kenyatta University is home to some of the world's top scholars, researchers and
experts in diverse fields. We pride ourselves in providing high quality programmes
that attract individuals who wish to be globally competitive. To achieve this, we
have invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities to offer our students the best
experience in quality academic programmes under a nurturing environment in
which our students learn and grow.
Kenyatta University is one of the leading universities in Kenya judging by the
quality of our graduates. Our aim is not only to maintain this position, but to
improve further and attain our vision of becoming a world-class university that is
committed to quality and relevance.
What gives graduates of Kenyatta University a cutting edge over their peers is the
University’s emphasis on practical hands-on knowledge and the skills training
imparted to its students. Towards this noble end, Kenyatta University has
established meaningful links with industrial partners, who guide the University on
practical, professional requirements which need to be built into programmes at
Kenyatta University.
As a result, the University’s courses give our graduates a distinct advantage in the
workplace. Already, many of our graduates are exposed to new employment
opportunities by accessing industrial attachments during their study, or through
course related placements.
https://www.kenyaplex.com/resources/7072-brief-history-to-the-present-daykenyatta-university.aspx
Biography - Prof. Olive Mugenda, Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-educationsystems/higher-education/quality-assurance/rankings-forum/speakers/olivemugenda/
http://www.foundation-partnership.org/ulf/participants.php?action=bio&id=60
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State House
http://presidency.go.ke/
History of State House http://softkenya.com/information/state-house-kenya/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_House_(Kenya)
August 7thMemorial Park. http://www.memorialparkkenya.org/
The Memorial Park Garden. America President Barack
Obama visited on 25th August 2006 ( Source: http://www.memorialparkkenya.org/)
Kasarani Stadium
http://www.stadiumskenya.co.ke/index.php/stadia/sports-complexes/kasarani-sports-complex
Kasarani Stadium You Tube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNCkCdEJj18
http://www.zakenya.com/product-reviews/services-available-within-the-moiinternational-sports-complex-in-kasarani-nairobi-kenya.html
UN Nairobi
UN-Kenya
19
Al-Shabaab
CNN http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/02/world/africa/kenya-attack/
Interactive Timeline: Al-Shabab - Council on Foreign Relations http://www.cfr.org/terrorism/timeline-al-shabab/p31468
Timeline: Attacks in Kenya since 1998 – Al Jazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2013/09/interactive-attacks-kenya-since-19982013924122218923825.html
Westgate Mall attack
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/world/africa/nairobi-mall-shooting.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29247163
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Westgate-Mall-attack-alshabaab-terrorism/-/1056/2004630/-/kr74w0//index.html
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/-/1056/2012542/-/137ye0h/-/index.html
http://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/List-of-Westgate-mall-victims/-/1950946/2006398//format/xhtml/item/0/-/12c5wf3/-/index.html
http://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/-/1950946/2142370/-/format/xhtml/-/lhqng/-/index.html
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000094150/what-nairobi-s-westgate-mall-attackmeans-for-economy
Garissa University College Attack
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/africa/garissa-university-college-shooting-inkenya.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/04/02/world/africa/ap-af-kenya-university-attack.html
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/02/africa/kenya-university-attack/
http://mobile.nation.co.ke/counties/Garissa-University-College-under-attack/-/1950480/2673506//format/xhtml/-/11agsyf/-/index.html
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/education/United-Kingdom-students-hold-vigil-for-Garissa//2643604/2688368/-/format/xhtml/-/ox7clz/-/index.html
20
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/kenya-avenging-college-massacre-bombs-al-shababcamps-in-somalia/2015/04/06/32931c58-dc53-11e4-acfe-cd057abefa9a_story.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-32158664
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000157592/kenyan-university-students-march-to-demandsecurity-in-wake-of-garissa-university-college-attack
21
Statistics on cell phone usage, social media and internet penetration in
Kenya
1. Cell Phone Ownership and Usage in Kenya
According to the National ICT Survey 2010 people in urban areas reported more ownership
and usage of mobile phones compared to their counterparts in the rural areas. The statistics
on Mobile Phone Ownership and Usage are as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Cell Phone Ownership and Usage
Urban Areas
Rural Areas
Source: National ICT Survey 2010
Ownership of Mobile Phones
51.0%
25.8%
Usage of Mobile Phones
67.1
46.7
As illustrated in Table 2 below, the accessibility of mobile services by Kenyans has
maintained an upward trend over the years with the quarter ending March 2015 recording
subscriptions and penetration levels of 34.7 million and 85.5 per cent respectively.
Table 2: Access to Mobile Services in Kenya
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015*
Mobile Subscriptions
24,968,891
26,980,771
30,731,754
31,309,017
33,632,631
34,794,457
Mobile Penetration
63.4
71.3
78.0
76.9
82.6
85.5
Source: CA Operator’s Returns*Data as at March 2015
2. Social Media
The data on social medial is not currently available. However the growth in penetration of
mobile and internet indicates that there are more people accessing internet services in the
country.
3. Internet Penetration
The data/internet market in the country has also experienced significant growth over time
and as at the end of March 2015 the number of subscriptions stood at 18.8 million while
the approximated number of users stood at 29.1 million.
Table 3: Internet Penetration and Usage
2010
2011
22
2012
2013
2014
2015*
Data/Internet Subscriptions
Data/Internet Users
Data/Internet Penetration
3,296,975
8,884,850
25.9
5,423,428
8,936,165
22.7
9,496,573
16,236,583
41.1
13,186,968
21,273,738
52.3
16,453,019
26,163,560
64.3
18,802,428
29,158,301
71.7
Source: CA Operator’s Returns*Data as at March 2015
For further reference please visit
http://www.ca.go.ke/index.php/statistics
http://www.researchictafrica.net/countries/kenya/Report_of_the_National_ICT_Survey_2010.pdf
23
Important Links
Global Entrepreneurship Summit
Global Entrepreneurship Summit
Young African Leaders Initiative
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Kenya Wildlife Service
Kenya Wildlife Service
U.S. – Kenya Relations
U.S. – Kenya Bilateral Relations Fact sheet
Background Information about Kenyan Media
Kenya Media Handbook
24
Kenya media overview
Kenya’s mass media has thrived since 1992 when the country restored multi-party democracy and
liberalized the broadcast sector. Prior to 1992, the government maintained a tight control over the
media, allowing only two daily newspapers and the state-run Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to
operate under close scrutiny and interference. When opposition politics were re-introduced in Kenya,
legislative changes guaranteed considerable freedom of speech across the country and opened the
doors to multiple media outlets, which had previously been prevented from operating.
A growing economy has also propped up a middle-class and an advertising sector that has sustained the
media businesses in Kenya even though key markets still remain in capital Nairobi and outlying cities of
Kisumu and Mombasa.
The Constitution especially Article 33 and 34 of Chapter 4 guarantees the freedom of expression and
freedom of the media. Article 35 on the other hand guarantees access to information by the media and
the public.
Recent developments in Kenya’s media scene has however poisoned the freedom of expression and
erected hurdles on the path of freedom of the media and the practice of journalism in a country
considered as East Africa’s largest economy.
From the advent of multi-party politics in Kenya in 1992, Kenya’s vibrant media enjoyed freedom from
formal government control until two draconian media regulations and laws were introduced in the
government controlled National Assembly in December 2013.
The two legislations signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta but have now been contested in court
by journalists, include;
•
The Kenya Information and Communications Act 2013
•
The Media Council Act 2013
The Kenya Information and Communications Act 2013 established a government-controlled tribunal
with power to punish journalists and media houses for their reporting. The Communications and
Multimedia Appeals Tribunal to be appointed by the President has the power to impose fines on media
houses and journalists, recommend deregistration of a journalist and make any order on freedom of
expression. Media houses that breach the new laws are to be fined Sh20 million (US$230,000) while
individual journalists will pay Sh500, 000 (US$5,500) if they go against the law.
The Act also establishes the Communications Authority of Kenya that will have the power to decide on
content for broadcasters.
The Media Council Bill Act established the Media Council of Kenya which has the powers to set media
standards, regulate and monitor if the media adhere to set journalists code of ethics and media laws.
Prior to 1992, the government maintained a tight control over the media allowing only two daily
newspapers and the state run KBC to operate albeit under close scrutiny and interference.
Journalists have gone to court arguing that the two legislations have breached Articles 33, 34 and 35 of
the Constitution of Kenya which guarantees the freedom of the media and access to information by the
media and the public.
25
As Kenyan journalists, editors and media owners battle the government in court over the introduction of
the new draconian legislations against the media, the Kenyan government continues to maintain
guarded control over the media through four key media laws:

The Kenya Media Act of 2007 established the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), a regulatory body
aimed at self-regulation in the media. Under the Act, local and foreign journalists are required
to submit between $30 and $3,000 to MCK to be licensed to operate in Kenya. Under the Act,
the MCK also arbitrates dispute between the media and the public.

The Communications (Amendment) Bill of 2008 authorizes the government-appointed
Communications Authority to determine standards for the manner, time, and type of broadcast
programs to be aired on local television and radio channels. This law allows the government to
control broadcast programming. The government used this law to suspend live broadcasts
during the 2007/08 Post Election Violence.

The Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998 authorizes the Communications
Authority to allocate licenses to broadcasters. Denial of broadcast licenses has previously been
used to stifle freedom of broadcasters.

The Statute Bill of 2001 requires newspaper publishers to increase their publishing bonds from
$125 to $12,500 and prescribes a fine of $12,500 or a prison term of up to five years to any
defaulters.
Most Kenyans rely on broadcast media, especially radio for news, information and entertainment. Most
privately owned radio stations, broadcasting in Swahili and English emerged in the late 1990s following
the liberalization of the airwaves. Some 90 radio stations, seven news TV channels, six daily newspapers
and several weeklies and monthly magazines operate freely in Kenya.
International media such as CNN, BBC, AFP, Reuters, Washington Post and Bloomberg have offices and
correspondents in Nairobi.
Some 90 radio stations, seven news TV channels, six daily newspapers and several weeklies and monthly
magazines operate freely in Kenya. Most Kenyans rely on broadcast media, and especially radio for
news, information, and entertainment. Most privately owned radio stations, broadcasting in Swahili and
English, emerged in the late 1990s following the liberalization of the airwaves.
International media such as CNN, BBC, AFP, Reuters, Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street
Journal, and Bloomberg have offices and correspondents in Nairobi.
New media (Social media)
According to a recent report by CCK, the number of Internet users in Kenya stood at 16.2 million by
December 31, 2012, an 11.6 percent growth from the 14.5 million users recorded at the end of
September 2012. The study reports Internet penetration in the country went up by 4.3 percent to 41.1
percent in the last quarter 2012. The number of Internet subscribers increased by 75.1 percent in the
quarter compared to same period in 2011.
The report attributes the growth in the Internet/data market segment to international Internet
connectivity bandwidth that has continued to increase rapidly throughout the country. The growth of
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the Internet in Kenya is correlated to the growth in the use of social media, especially Facebook and
Twitter. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, a body charged with responsibility for
dealing with hate speech, has found it difficult to control the use of social media in spreading hate
speech. The Commission recently sued two regular social media users for alleged hate speech on social
media platforms.
Print Media
The print media is dominated by two publishing houses, the Nation Media Group (NMG) and the
Standard Group (SG). Both are also dominant in Kenya’s broadcast media.
DAILY NATION
The Daily Nation (www.nation.co.ke) was launched as a tabloid in January 1959. It is the second oldest
and the largest circulating newspaper in Kenya, selling an average 231,000 copies daily. It is generally
regarded as balanced and endeavors to enforce ethical journalism. In the past 10 years, it tended to
lean towards President Kibaki’s government and was fiercely critical of President Daniel arap Moi’s
regime. Its sister publication, the Sunday Nation, engages in a wide variety of opinion/commentary
pieces written by a variety of op-ed and regular writers. The media group is traded on the Nairobi
Securities Exchange with the Aga Khan (the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community worldwide) as its
single largest shareholder, controlling 45 percent of the media firm.
NMG is the most profitable media company in east Africa, earning 3.5 billion Ksh in profit before tax in
the 2012 financial term. It owns NTV in Kenya and Uganda, QTV, radio stations QFM and Easy FM, and
publications Taifa leo (Swahili Daily), the weekly The East African, Business Daily, and the weekly sports
newspaper, SportOn.
Quick Facts
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyNation
Twitter: @dailynation
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Reliable
Political affiliation: criticize government on public issues but tends to side with the ruling party during
elections.
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: middle upper/upper class, businessmen/investors, those interested in
politics, youth.
Circulation: 231,000
Coverage focus: Politics, Social news, opinion, analysis, entertainment, sports.
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Linus Gitahi
Cell: 0722-775-660; Landline direct line 020 2242322
lgitahi@ke.nationmedia.com
Acting Group Editorial Director: Tom Mshindi
Direct landline: 020 221-4789
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tmshindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Director-Newspapers division: Tom Mshindi
tmshindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Editor: Mutuma Mathiu
mmathiu@ke.nationmedia.com
Cell-0724 357492
Editor: Eric Shimoli
eshimoli@ke.nationmedia.com
Cell-0722 770841
THE STANDARD
Launched in 1902, The Standard (www.standardmedia.co.ke) is a tabloid style publication. It is the
oldest and the second largest newspaper in Kenya selling close to 75,000 copies daily. It is an
independent newspaper that has tended to lean towards the opposition. In 2005 and 2010 Constitution
referenda and 2007 Presidential election, the paper tended to lean towards Raila Odinga—a political
figurehead who campaigned on the platform of political democracy and change. However in the 2013
presidential polls, the newspaper struggled to remain objective and tended to side with Deputy Prime
Minister and Jubilee candidate Uhuru Kenyatta. This followed change in management in which media
operative Sam Shollei replaced long serving CEO Paul Melly. The newspaper is quoted at the Nairobi
Securities Exchange but former President Daniel arap Moi and his close business allies retain the
controlling stake in the media firm operating under the Bazara Limited and the Standard Group. The
company also owns KTN, Radio Maisha and Sports weekly Game Yetu. The group also publishes The
Standard on Sunday.
In March 2, 2006 hired thugs backed by foreign mercenaries raided the Standard Group’s offices and
printing plant and assaulted staff on duty, destroyed broadcasting equipment and the printing press,
before stealing computers containing vital records and burnt copies of newspapers in what the
management claimed was an attempt to muzzle the media company.
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standardkenya
Twitter: @StandardKenya
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Reliable
Political affiliation: criticized government on public issues during the Moi and Kibaki regimes but has
mellowed to show support for the Kenyatta government since 2013.
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: middle upper/upper class, businessmen/investors, those interested in
politics, youth.
Circulation: 75,000
Coverage focus: Politics, Social news, opinion, analysis, entertainment, sports.
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Sam Shollei CEO
Cell: 0729-775-055; direct landline: 3222110
sshollei@standardmedia.co.ke
Managing Editor: Kipkoech Tanui
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Cell: 0722 714070
ktanui@standardmedia.co.ke
THE PEOPLE DAILY
The People (www.thepeople.co.ke) is a free issue tabloid. It was established in 1993 as a mouthpiece for
opposition politicians. Over the years, the newspaper has seen tumultuous periods as it toyed with near
closure due to financial strains. It was the brainchild of the 1990s opposition chief Kenneth Matiba who
set it up as a fiercely independent and a deeply investigative weekly rag that exposed corrupt deals in
the Moi regime. It has since changed management as Mediamax Network Limited, a company
associated with the family of President Uhuru Kenyatta, bought it out in 2009 and changed it to a daily
newspaper before converting it into a free to issue newspaper in 2014. It was largely partisan in support
of Kenyatta’s candidacy in the March 2013 presidential poll. Mediamax Group also runs K24 TV, and
Kameme and Meru FMs—vernacular (Kikuyu/Meru) stations that broadcast in Nairobi and Central
Kenya.
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepeopledaily?fref=ts
Twitter: @PeopleDailyKe
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Not reliable
Political affiliation: Supports Jubilee Government, Kikuyu businesses
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: Lower class, semi-illiterate, rural folks
Circulation: 20,000
Coverage focus: Politics, Social news, opinion, analysis, entertainment, sports.
Hierarchy
Managing Editor: Maina Muiruri
maina.muiruri@mediamax.co.ke
Cell: 0722 782029
Editor: Chris Oyuga
Chris.oyuga@mediamax.co.ke
0722178618
TAIFA LEO
Taifa Leo founded in 1958 is the only Swahili daily published in Kenya. It is produced by the Nation
Media Group (NMG) and targets the less educated but also has a large following among school going
children keen to improve their mastery of Swahili. NMG has faced difficulties in improving its circulation
which oscillates between 10,000 and 15,000 copies daily.
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GAZETI-LA-TAIFA-LEO/34780474465
Twitter: @Taifa_Leo
Language: Swahili
29
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Reliable
Political affiliation: criticizes government on public issues but tends to side with the ruling party during
elections.
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: middle upper/upper class, businessmen/investors, those interested in
politics, youth.
Circulation: 15,000
Coverage focus: Politics, Social news, opinion, analysis, entertainment, sports.
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Linus Gitahi
Cell: 0722-775-660; Landline direct line 2242322
lgitahi@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Director-Newspapers division: Tom Mshindi
tmshindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Editor: Mutuma Mathiu
Cell-0724 357492
THE STAR
The Star was launched as the Nairobi Star (www.the-star.co.ke) in 2007 it is published by the Star
Publications. Radio Africa Group—the operators of the popular youth radio Kiss FM and Classic FM own
shares in the Star Publications Limited. Highly sensational in its choice of front page headlines, The Star
has come out as bold and aggressive in fighting for a share of press consumers in Kenya. Currently
selling about 8,000 copies daily, the Star recently commissioned its own printing press to cut down on
production costs. It publishes daily other than Sundays.
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Daily except Sundays
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestarkenya
Twitter: @TheStarKenya
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Not reliable
Political affiliation: criticizes government on public issues
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: The youth, middle lower class, those interested in politics.
Circulation: 8,000
Coverage focus: Politics, Social news, opinion, analysis, entertainment, sports
Hierarchy
Chairman: Dr. Evans Kidero (Governor—Nairobi)
Chief Executive: William Pike (British)
William.pike@the-star.co.ke
General Manager: Patrick Ndeda
Cell: 0722-767-196
Catherine.gucheru@the-star.co.ke
Managing Editor: Charles Kerich
30
Cell: 0722 607124
charles.kerich@the-star.co.ke
Political Editor: Paul Ilado
Cell: 0722669181
Paul.ilado@the-star.co.ke
THE BUSINESS DAILY
The Business Daily (http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/) is a publication of the Nation Media Group. It
was launched in 2007 to satisfying the growing number of business enthusiasts and the growing stock
market traders and expatriates in Kenya. It is the only specialized business news daily in Kenya. However
it does not publish on Saturdays and Sundays. It is fashioned alongside Financial Times.
Quick Facts
Style: Pink paper/tabloid
Frequency: Daily except Saturdays/Sundays
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessDailyAfrica/info
Twitter: @Bdafrica
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Reliable
Political affiliation: None/business news oriented
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: middle upper/upper class, businessmen/investors.
Circulation: 30,000
Coverage focus: Business news, analysis.
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Linus Gitahi
Cell: 0722-775-660; Landline direct line 020 2242322
lgitahi@ke.nationmedia.com
Acting Group Editorial Director: Tom Mshindi
Direct landline: 020 221-4789
tmshindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Editor: Ochieng Rapuro
orapuro@ke.nationmedia.com
Cell-0722 788-122
THE EAST AFRICAN
The East African (http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/) is a weekly publication of the Nation Media Group
launched in 1996 to capture the pulse of the east African community. It specializes on regional
integration and business development issues across the five east African states of Kenya, Tanzania,
Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. It is published in Nairobi but its largest circulation has been recorded in
Rwanda.
Quick Facts
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Weekly
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEastAfrican
Twitter: @The_EastAfrican
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Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: Reliable
Political affiliation: None/business news oriented
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: middle upper/upper class, businessmen/investors.
Circulation: 130,000
Coverage focus: Business news, analysis, regional integration news
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Linus Gitahi
Cell: 0722-775-660; Landline direct line 020 2242322
lgitahi@ke.nationmedia.com
Acting Group Editorial Director: Tom Mshindi
Direct landline: 020 221-4789
tmshindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Editor: Peter Munaita
pmunaita@ke.nationmedia.com
Cell-0722 379815
THE WEEKLY CITIZEN
The Weekly Citizen is a 20 page weekly tabloid newspaper bordering on gutter press. The newspaper
was established in 1997 as a four page A4 size underground leaflet or alternative press circulating in
Nairobi and its suburbs at the height of the campaigns for multiparty politics in Kenya. During the
period, the government of retired president Daniel Moi stiffled the media to an extent that the press
was unable to published investigative stories touching on corruption and abuse of human rights.
Quick Facts
Style: Tabloid
Frequency: Weekly
Facebook:
Twitter:
Language: English
Headquarters: Nairobi
Credibility/Reliability: not reliable
Political affiliation: opposition
Religious affiliation: Neutral
Political bias toward USG/Military: Positive
Demography of audience: lower class.
Circulation: 30,000
Coverage focus: Politics, investigative stories.
Hierarchy
Chief Executive/Managing Editor: Tom Alwaka
0723 755 050
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Broadcast media Overview
According to a BBC World Service media consumption survey in 2009, the four most popular TV stations
are Citizen TV, KBC, KTN and Nation TV. Citizen TV, which forms part of the Royal Media Services group,
scored the highest overall rating.
State-run KBC was the most widely viewed station in rural areas, but scored the lowest rating of the
four leading stations in Nairobi. KTN and Nation TV were both popular in urban areas. 58% of those
polled said they had watched television in the past week – although many of them did not have a TV set
at home.
Nearly all Kenyans are regular radio listeners. 98% of those surveyed listened to FM stations, often on
their mobile phones. The survey found that 89% of respondents obtained news and information from
the radio at least once a week.
The top two stations in terms of nationwide audience were Citizen FM and KBC’s Kiswahili service. The
music stations Easy FM and Kiss 100 FM were popular with people under 30.
Vernacular Radio channels
Royal Media’s Kikuyu-language station Inooro FM (Kikuyu) is among the most listened to vernacular
stations in Kenya. The BBC survey shows that 56% of respondents to the survey in Central Province and
Nairobi listened to Inooro FM. The KBC Kikuyu station Coro FM is also a popular vernacular station.
In Nyanza Province the homeland of the Luo tribe, most people listen to Royal Media Services Luo
language station Ramogi FM. The group’s Kamba language station Musyi FM.
The dominant station amongst Kalenjin speakers in Rift Valley Province, the scene of repeated land
clashes between local tribes and Kikuyu settlers, is the privately owned Kass FM.
Kenya has more than 30 vernacular broadcast radio stations.
Broadcast media
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Channel 1
KBC Channel One (www.kbc.co.ke) is a free to air state-owned TV station that broadcasts news, local
and international programs to almost all parts of Kenya. It has both the English and Swahili broadcasts.
KBC is the only TV station with the largest geographical reach in Kenya. It is currently grappling with the
transition to digital broadcasting. In 1989, the Kenya Parliament voted to change its name from the
colonial Voice of Kenya to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. It started operations in 1928 when
Kenya was a British Colony.
KBC has always acted as the government mouthpiece especially during the former President Moi’s
regime when every bulletin begun with positive news about the presidency. It is funded partly by
advertising revenue and a budgetary allocation from the government, but has always struggled to
maintain sound financial stability. Even though the stations and the Media Council of Kenya may not
have viewership numbers, some research indicate that KBC is the third most watched station in Kenya
with nearly 7 million viewers.
KBC became the first Kenyan station to interview a sitting U.S President when they aired a recorded
interview of President Barack Obama in 2008.
It broadcasts daily bulletins at 1 p.m., 7 p.m. (Swahili) and 9 p.m. (English).
33
Key anchors include; Catherine Achieng’a and Bill Odidi
Hierarchy
Language: English/Kiswahili
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kbc.kenya?fref=ts
Twitter: @KBCChannel1
Acting Editor in Chief: Samuel Maina
Cell: 0722 720898
Kenya Television Network (KTN)
Branding itself as the “authoritative and independent news channel”, KTN
(www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktn/live) was the first free to view privately owned TV station to be
launched in Kenya when it started operations in 1990. At its launch, it introduced to Kenya relays of CNN
programming re-transmission. The TV station—headquartered at the Standard Group Centre on
Mombasa road, Nairobi-- is owned by The Standard Group Ltd, the publisher of The Standard, Kenya’s
oldest newspaper. It introduced independent news on TV and live TV interviewing as it maintained the
top spot as the most watched TV station in the country.
KTN has been credited with revolutionizing broadcast media in Kenya. Over the years KTN has been
known for its unique way of exposing scandals and corruption in government and in the private sector.
Through hard hitting investigative stories, KTN has exposed drug cartels in Kenya. Many African
countries studied KTN’s influence and success during the early 2000 and implemented the KTN model
back home. Several radio stations in Kenya and in Africa also adopted the hard-hitting style of reporting
by KTN. It went off-air for nearly a week in March 2, 2006 when hired thugs backed by foreign
mercenaries raided the Standard Group’s offices and assaulted staff on duty before destroying
broadcasting equipment in what the management claimed was an attempt to muzzle the Standard
Group.
However in the past 5 years Citizen TV has emerged as the most watched TV station after poaching
some of the senior news reporters and anchors from KTN. But KTN hit back and employed some key
staff from other stations in 2012 as it struggled to resuscitate its brand. Various researches indicate that
KTN commands close to 18 million viewers across the country. It broadcasts live on the internet and on
YouTube.
It relays news bulletins at 1PM, 7PM (Swahili) and 9PM (English).
Key anchors and news reporters include; Linda Oguttu, Anne Kiguta, Njoroge Mwaura, Ahmed
Dharwesh, Louis Otieno, Mohammed Ali, Dennis Onsarigo, John-Allan Namu. CNN’s Zain Verjee was an
anchor at KTN between 2001 and 2003.
Hierarchy
34
Chief Executive: Sam Shollei CEO
Cell: 0729-775-055; direct landline: 3222110
sshollei@standardmedia.co.ke
Managing Editor: Joseph Ageyo
Cell: 0720423849
jageyo@standardmedia.co.ke
NTV
NTV (www.ntv.co.ke ) is a television broadcast channel owned by the Nation Media Group (NMG)-- the
dominant media group in east Africa (which in turn is owned in part by His Highness the Aga Khan).
NMG are the publishers of largest circulating newspaper—the Daily Nation It broadcasts in more than 70
per cent of Kenyan market and 60 per cent of the market in Uganda. NTV targets a middle class and up
market demographic, and is widely considered one of the most reliable and neutral television stations in
Kenya. NTV targets an estimated 15 million viewers aged between 8 to 60 years.
The station was launched in 1999 as Nation TV but changed its name to NTV in 2005. It partners with the
BBC TV to re-transmit the BBC’s Swahili and English news bulletins.
NTV runs a major news bulletin at 7PM (Swahili) and 9PM (English). It also carries a brief bulletin at 1PM
in English.
It is regarded as independent news station which seldom leaned towards any side. It broadcasts live on
the internet and on YouTube.
Key anchors and reporters include; Martin Masai, Smriti Vidyarthi, Walace Kantai, Nimrod Taabu, Jamila
Mohammed, Linus Kaikai,
Hierarchy
Chief Executive: Linus Gitahi
Cell: 0722-775-660; Landline direct line 020 2242322
lgitahi@ke.nationmedia.com
Group Editorial Director: Joseph Odindo
Cell - 0722-768-229; direct landline: 020 221-4789
jodindo@ke.nationmedia.com
Managing Editor: Linus Kaikai
lkaikai@ke.nationmedia.com
Citizen Television
Citizen TV (www.citizentv.co.ke) is Kenya’s largest private broadcaster in terms of audience reach and its
owned by Royal Media Services (RMS), a company associated with media mogul S.K. Macharia. The
company also operates several vernacular radio stations.
Citizen TV runs daily news bulletin at 1PM, 7PM (Swahili) and 9PM (English). It also runs a political talk
show every Sunday at 9PM and another one “Cheche’ every Wednesday from 8AM-10AM.
Citizen TV also remains the leading television station in Kenya in terms of commercial advertisements.
However it has been accused by other TV stations and regulator—the Communications Commission of
Kenya—of allocating itself or grabbing TV and Radio frequencies which enabled Citizen TV extend its
reach across the country illegally. The regulator shut down 17 transmission stations belonging to RMS
On February 2, 2013 effectively crippling the operations of Citizen TV broadcast frequencies in Migori,
Makueni, Narok, Malindi and Taveta, Sotik and Embu and Nakuru.
35
In the March 2013 Presidential election, Citizen TV owner S.K Macharia threw his weight behind Prime
Minister Raila Odinga who ended up losing the election. The station however carried out fair coverage
for all the contesting candidates.
It was launched 1998, but remained lowly until its re-launched in 2006, when it started aggressive news
coverage and took keen interest in airing local programmes which endeared it to many viewers. It also
leaned towards Kibaki’s government since 2002 during which period it flourished from increased
advertising revenue and favorable ratings by research firms.
Key anchors include; Swaleh Mdoe, Lilian Muli, Katherine Kasavuli
Hierarchy
Founder chairman: Samuel K.Macharia
Cell: 0722-516-104; Landline direct line – 0719-060-204
Managing Director: Wachira Waruru
Editorial Director: Farida Karoney
Cell: 0722-518-689
K24
K24 (www.k24.co.ke) is owned by Mediamax—a company associated with the family of President Uhuru
Kenyatta. The Company also publishes The People newspapers. It started broadcasts in November 2007
with the slogan "All Kenyan, all the time". T carries news broadcasts on top of every hour throughout
the day but has major news wrap at 7PM (Swahili) and at 9PM (English).
Its lead anchor and reporter then included former CNN reporter Jeff Koinange, who has since left the
broadcaster. The TV channel was originally owned by media personality Rose Kimotho (who also
launched Kameme FM), before Mediamax Group acquired it in October 2009. The TV channel has since
started an aggressive poaching taking key anchors and reporters from rival stations. Reporters and
anchors who have since jumped ship to K24 include Isabella Kituri, Anne Ngugi and Purity Mwambia (all
from KTN Swahili), Jimmi Gathu, Tom Mboya and Belinda Obura (All from Citizen TV).
Hierarchy
Hierarchy
Executive director: Granton Samboja
granton.samboja@mediamax.co.ke
Cell: 0722 179639
Managing Editor: Anderson Waweru
anderson.waweru@mediamax.co.ke
Cell: 0722 758619
Radio stations
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Most major media outlets owning newspapers and TV stations also operate radio stations. Royal Media
Services (RMS)—the operators of Citizen TV, owns the highest number of FM frequencies. It operates 11
radio stations—most of them broadcasting in various vernacular languages. Its flagship radio station is
Radio Citizen. RMS is owned by businessman and media tycoon Samuel K. Macharia who had several
run-ins with President Moi’s regime when he attempted to set up his media empire in the early 2000s.
He had several of his media outlets denied licenses or shut down, but his media empire flourished under
President Kibaki’s government.
Radio Citizen
Radio Citizen is a sister station of Citizen TV. It beams its programs through on several frequencies
across the country. It rivals KBC radio as the most geographically spread radio in Kenya as it boast the
greatest number of transmission sites across Kenya. It broadcasts in Swahili and English and airs hourly
news programs. The station also has a rich menu of talk-show and features. It claims to target the
“common man” in its programming.
Research firms estimate that Radio Citizen control listenership in rural areas, however there are no
absolute numbers of listeners that tune to the two stations.
The Station runs hourly news briefs.
Key presenters include Mohammed Juma Njuguna
Hierarchy
Founder chairman: Samuel K. Macharia
Cell: 0722-516-104; Landline direct line – 0719-060-204
Managing Director: Wachira Waruru
Editorial Director: Farida Karoney
Cell: 0722-518-689
Capital FM
98.4 Capital FM broadcasting under the banner “The Best Mix of Music” was the second modern FM
station to be launched in 1996 after KBC launched its entertainment radio 101.9 Metro FM following the
liberation of the airwaves by the government allowing private entrepreneurs to own radio and TV
stations. It easily established itself as the station of choice for the urban middle- and upper classes with
its rich style of music and hourly news beats. Capital FM’s early success is attributed to Linda Hold—a
British entrepreneur who was the wife to Bob Holt the Managing Director of KTN in the late 1990s. It
broadcasts to Nairobi, Western Kenya and Mombasa. Due to its professionalism and maturity in the
market, Capital FM has managed to command a larger advertising revenue share compared to other
radio stations. It natured most of the radio presenters and TV anchors in Kenya. CNN’s Zain Verjee was a
presenter at Capital FM between 2001 and 2003.
The station owned by businessman Chris Kirubi has been based at 19th Floor of Lonrho House since its
inception.
The Station runs hourly news briefs.
Key presenters include Maqbul and Cess Mutungi.
Hierarchy
Chairman and owner: Chris Kirubi
Cell: 0722520889
CEO: Cyrus Kamau
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Editorial Director: Michael Mumo
Cell: 0722525664
Kiss 100 FM and Classic 105 FM
Kiss 100 and Classic 105 are the two most listened to infotainment radio stations in Nairobi. They are
part of the five radio stations operated by Radio Africa Group. Radio Africa is a privately owned media
group—which also publishes The Star newspaper and runs Kiss TV and five other radio stations in Kenya.
It also has media interests in Uganda wher it runs a radio station. The Group is owned and managed by a
Briton William Pike and Ghanaian/Kenyan Patrick Quarcoo. Radio Africa’s media outlets have a strong
commercial focus and have overtaken some of the more established stations in revenue.
Kiss 100 launched in 2001 broadcasts major urban areas including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and
Nakuru. Radio Africa Group says it positioned Kiss 100 as a provocative and risqué tone station that
raises eyebrows and this was intended at driving its ratings ahead of other stations.
Classic 105 on the other hand started broadcasts in 2005 but was quickly positioned as the most listened
to infotainment radio station in urban areas especially in Nairobi due to its salacious content. Presenter
Maina Kageni drives up the stations listeners during breakfast show with his detailed discussion of social
and family issues. Most callers are not afraid to discuss intimate details on air as Kageni and his copresenter Daniel Ndambuki (Mwalimu King’ang’i) take turns to throw bunter at each other.
Research firms estimate that Kiss 100 and Classic 105 control listenership in urban areas, however there
are no absolute numbers of listeners that tune to the two stations.
The Stations runs hourly news briefs.
Key presenters include Caroline Mutoko (Kiss 100) and Maina Kageni, Daniel Ndambuki aka Mwalimu
King’ang’I aka Churchill (Classic 105).
Hierarchy
Chairman-Radio Africa: Kiprono Kittony
Cell: 0722-885-599; roaming number: 0722-524-720
Group CEO: Patrick Quarcoo
General Manager: Martin Kafafa
Marketing Manager: Caroline Mutoko
News Broadcasting News Head: Carol Radul
Kameme FM
Is a vernacular radio station broadcasting in Kikuyu ethnic language. It airs its programmes in Nairobi
and central Kenya—dominated by the Kikuyu people. It is the pioneer vernacular station in Kenya
launched in early 2000s following the liberation of the airwaves. It was first run by media personality
Rose Kimotho before it was bought out by Mediamax—a company associated with President-elect
Uhuru Kenyatta’s family. The media company also publishes the People Daily.
The Station runs hourly news briefs.
Hierarchy
Executive director: Granton Samboja
granton.samboja@mediamax.co.ke
Cell: 0722 179639
Managing Editor: Anderson Waweru
anderson.waweru@mediamax.co.ke
Cell: 0722 758619
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Background information about Kenyan media
The leading media outlets in Kenya are:
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The Standard Group (includes the Standard newspaper, the Kenya Television Network/KTN, and
Radio Maisha)
The Nation Media Group (includes The EastAfrican, Daily Nation, Business Daily Africa, Daily
Monitor, The Citizen, and others papers circulated in Uganda and Tanzania; and Nation TV/NTV)
Royal Media Services (includes Citizen TV and 14 radio stations)
State-run Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC Channel 1 and KBC radio stations)
The Capital Group (runs Capital FM and Capital TV) and is our sole partner station for
promoting Washington Mandela Fellowship and YALI Network activities.
The Media Max Network (People Daily, K24 TV and Kameme FM)
The Radio Africa Group (KISS FM, Classic 105, Radio Jambo, and various other commercial
stations; Kiss TV; and The Star)
The Kass Media Group (Kass FM, Kass TV and Kass Weekly)
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