http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/67 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:20:24 GMT 2026-04-20T09:20:24Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9949 Title: Interrogating Dynamics of Sports Betting Addiction in Kenya through Mediatized Advocacy: Challenges and Opportunities Authors: Madara, Maxwell Abstract: The intention of this article is to investigate the dynamics of sports betting addiction in Kenya through mediatized advocacy and its implications for society. This article contends that sports betting has been normalized in the global south among young people, and especially from the Sub-Saharan Region. In Kenya, young people have been problematized as problem gamblers, with the majority suffering from gambling addiction. Based on this, the purpose of the study was to examine the challenges and opportunities inherent in advocacy against sports betting in Kenya. The study established that despite the effort of gambling research in Kenya, there was a limited effort in examining the role of the mainstream and digital media in advocacy, with more studies having focused on how betting organizations were using the media to promote gambling addiction among the young people. Anchored on the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion, the study utilized a qualitative research design with the case study method being deployed. 17 gambling advocacy officers from selected organizations were selected via purposive sampling with semi structured interviews being used to collect data. Data was recorded and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that media advertising of betting companies was a major advocacy challenge. Lack of funding and resources as well as ignorance from the young people was also a challenge. However, there was an opportunity in the emerging technology and policy to counter gambling menace in Kenya. The study concludes that unless the mainstream media is properly regulated, advocacy against sports betting will always be a challenge. The study recommends adoptions of a digital media strategy that aids in advocacy while at the same time having a stricter policy that regulates sports betting menace. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9949 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9844 Title: The Pulse Of Democracy: African Journalism In An Era Of Political Change Authors: Kurgat, Martin Abstract: Amidst Africa’s shifting political terrain, journalism stands as both a barometer and a driver of democratic change. Since the 1993 declaration of World Press Freedom Day, the continent has witnessed a complex evolution of its media landscape—marked by growth, yet marred by persistent constraints. This study critically examines the trajectory of African journalism through the lens of political transformation, tracing how the ideals of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration—media pluralism, independence, and freedom—continue to contend with state control, censorship, and threats to journalist safety. With a focus on the intricate relationship between democratic transitions and press freedom, the paper explores how digitalization and globalization have reshaped media practices, offering new opportunities for civic engagement while introducing fresh vulnerabilities. By interrogating the political, structural, and economic challenges that restrict journalistic autonomy, the study reveals the essential role of the press in nurturing democratic values. It calls for robust institutional reforms and protective legal frameworks to secure the media’s independence as a cornerstone of democratic governance. In doing so, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the press as the pulse of Africa’s democratic journey. Key Words: African Jou Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9844 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9779 Title: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Agriculture: A Case Study of Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu County Authors: Masai, Alfred Kiprop Abstract: Kenya has a rich diversity of indigenous knowledge systems, which have been passed down from generation to generation. This knowledge includes traditional agricultural practices, crop and livestock management, soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, and seed saving and selection. among others. The rationale of the study was to investigate the role of indigenous knowledge in agriculture, with a case study of Kesses Sub County situated in Uasin Gishu County. This area was selected due to its rich soils and ideal climatic conditions, which makes it a conducive agricultural centre within the county. The objectives are to identify indigenous knowledge practices of farmers in agricultural production for food society, investigate the use of indigenous knowledge by farmers, and identify the benefits and limitations of indigenous knowledge to sustainable agriculture. A mixed method approach was adopted using interviews and structured questionnaires to collect data. The sample consisted of 71 farmers randomly sampled from 100 farmers. Three agricultural officers were purposively sampled. Qualitative data was collected from agricultural officers, while quantitative data was collected from farmers. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using tabulation methods. Findings indicate that despite the introduction of modern farming techniques, the majority of farmers still rely on indigenous knowledge. Practices include mulching, organic manure usage, non-tillage pest control, soil fertility management, weed control, and traditional methods of planting, harvesting, and storing crops and livestock. The study concludes that while indigenous knowledge remains prevalent, much of it is not documented. Therefore, it recommends the recording and further research of indigenous practices for preservation and dissemination. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Agriculture, Farming, Kesses, Kenya Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9779 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9705 Title: The growth of journalism in Africa: A struggle for press freedom in democratic transitions Authors: Kurgat, Martin Abstract: Since the declaration of World Press Freedom Day in 1993, journalism in Africa has experienced both significant growth and persistent struggles, particularly in the context of democratic transitions. This study explores the evolving landscape of African journalism, highlighting the tensions between media development, press freedom, and the political and socio-economic barriers that hinder journalistic independence. Grounded in the principles of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, which advocated for media pluralism and autonomy, the research examines how African journalists navigate censorship, government control, and threats to their safety. The paper further assesses the impact of democratization on press freedom, with a focus on the role of digitalization and globalization in shaping contemporary media practices. By analyzing the structural, political, and economic constraints that continue to challenge journalistic autonomy, the study underscores the critical need for institutional reforms to foster a truly free press. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on media freedom in Africa, offering insights into the ongoing struggle for independent journalism within the region’s shifting democratic landscape. Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9705 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z