ABSTRACT
The peace journalism (PJ) theory was developed by Westerners, chiefly Dr. Johan Galtung, Dr. Jake Lynch, and Annabel McGoldrick. Kenyan academic Fredrick Ogenga writes, “Peace journalism brings together certain elements that are essential to promoting peace in East African countries. Western influence also impedes peace journalism. Ogenga argues that Kenyan journalists, and other African journalists, are challenged to adapt Hybrid Peace Journalism (HPJ) because they are heavily influenced by “Western values and paradigms.” East African journalists also face legal obstacles as they seek to improve their reporting. Bwire writes, Media support groups in Kenya are aware of the limitations journalists face. Hundreds of journalists have been trained in peace journalism techniques throughout Uganda by the Center for Global Peace Journalism, Internews, and others. With palpable enthusiasm among journalists and academics in East Africa for PJ, one can easily foresee a vibrant and dynamic future for proponents of more responsible peace reporting.
