Effects of security risks on the performance of investigative journalists in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Investigative journalism is crucial in a democratic society as it facilitates a watchdog role by delving deeper into public interest issues to expose crimes, misbegotten policies in government and unethical business practices in the corporate sector. This study looked at three security risks involved in investigative journalism and how they affect the performance of investigative journalists. The study was anchored on three theories: the authoritarian, the social responsibility and the protection motivation theories. The study was conducted in Nairobi County Kenya and sampled investigative journalists from four media houses. This study used purposive sampling and snow balling techniques to select 59 respondents and the main tool of data collection was interview schedule. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using descriptive statistics to make conclusions and recommendations. The study found that the predominant security threats were physical violence and tear gas attacks, implying that investigative journalists are not afforded adequate security while undertaking high-risk assignments. It was also found that high risk assignments leave the journalists susceptible to extreme anxiety, physical and psychological stress resulting in depression, anxiety and paranoia. As far as digital security challenges are concerned, results indicated that investigative journalists are affected by digital surveillance and tracking by use of their digital devices, data hacking and disruptive attacks on their computer systems and infrastructure, online intimidation and compromised user accounts leading to increased insecurity in their work. The study therefore recommends that an alarm should be raised to various stakeholders including media owners, media regulators, national security agencies and civil society to act to safeguard the security and safety of investigative journalists. Media houses are recommended to have an established safety and security department that would be the focal point all matters safety and security of the journalists. On the other hand, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) should require mandatory security training for all investigative journalists as part of human resource policy. Consequently, given that the responsibility of safety and protection of journalists rests with the police, it is recommended that media actors and the civil society be proactive to develop relationship enhancement programs to improve the working relations between the police and the journalists. The government is also called upon to be cognizant of press freedom as enshrined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution and improve on the requirement for safety and security of all investigative journalists while introducing new laws.