SEEK AND SPARK

FROM DECISIONS TO ACTIONS In less than two months Kenya will play host to the 14 th  session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. This high-level engagement will once again put Kenya on the map and will bring together over 6000 high-profile delegates and stakeholders from around the world, to discuss key emerging issues affecting world economies particularly in developing nations. Kenya is quickly becoming a “hotbed” of major decision-making as this will not be the first time that an international body is pitching camp in the country to deliberate on important world matters.  Last year in December, the 10 th  Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization was held in Nairobi, culminating into the adoption of the “Nairobi Package”. WTO officials have since termed it as historical since 6 critical decisions were made on Agriculture, Cotton, and other issues related to least developed countries. A ministerial declaration outlining the Packa...

It is said that if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book. There also seems to be anecdotal records that indicate that African scholars do not write and publish as much as their counterparts in Western hemispheres. These beliefs seem to purport that Africa is lagging behind when it comes to information gathering and sharing. The truth of the matter is that Africa is no longer playing catch-up but is at the fore in embracing new and sophisticated technology and the latest forms of media.  Africa has been misrepresented by western media. A good majority of westerners rely largely on news media for information about Africa. Suffice it to say that most of that information paints a grim picture of poverty, war and despondency in our continent. With the belief that ‘bad news sells’, the Africa story has been wrongly told. Exciting stories about newly discovered natural resources in Turkana, Kenya and other parts of the continent have yet to be told. Plus,...

Radio is undoubtedly one of the  cheapest and most effective tools of communication. Effective because it enjoys a wider reach compared to other forms of media as most people can afford it. It is very easy for audiences to connect, bond and even form relationships with their fans and hence it quickly attracts advertising based on the ratings. There is no media that better provides a platform for audiences to dialogue concerning issues affecting society. Radio gives voice to the voiceless.  Even though radio enjoys a multitude of benefits, challenges inevitably abound, with the major impetus being the growing technology, which is constantly pushing radio to an uncertain future. Audiences are exhibiting less station loyalty as they pursue other forms of media such as personalized playlist equipment like the ipod, satellite and internet stations, podcasts and so forth. It is increasingly becoming difficult for radio to attract and serve audiences. Needless to say, because...