Do They Preach Water But Drink Wine? Examining “The Corruption Dragon” in Kenyan Journalism

This was a national survey conducted in 2012–2013 (N = 504) that examined the prevalence of corruption in journalism practice in Kenya. Findings show that a majority of respondents (74%) believe that corruption is rife in Kenyan media. Nearly 46% of Kenyan journalists learned the art of corruption through the source–journalist relationship, followed by the legacy inherited from older generations (20.3%). Cash money (40%) is the most common form of corruption—and politicians are the top bribe-givers to local journalists, followed by businesspeople. More than 77% of Kenyan journalists say corruption in the local media compromises objective journalism.