CONTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: CASE OF USHAHIDI PLATFORM IN KENYA
Njeru Abraham Kirea - Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies, School of Information Sciences, Moi University, Kenya
Dr. Bernard Malakwen - Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies, Moi University, Kenya
Dr. Masibo Lumala - Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies, Moi University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The main aim of this study was to to assess the achievements of Ushahidi platform with regard to conflict prevention and management in Kenya from 2007. The paradigm that was found suitable for this study is Pragmatism. The study used a mixed approach. In this study, interviews, focus group discussions and content analysis of the Ushahidi platform were chosen as the tools of data collection. In order to bring order, structure and interpretation to the collected data, the researcher systematically organized the data by coding it into categories and constructing matrixes. After classifying the data, the researcher compared and contrasted it to the information retrieved from the literature review. The study concluded that social media is an important communication tool among the youth and young adults. Social media’s popularity can be attributed to certain key elements which include: it responds to the youth’s desire for communication; it is affordable and has the opportunity for instantaneous communications. The study recommends that Ushahidi platform should be seen as an agent of social change and should discuss the social mobilization which may be able to bring about.
