Editor's note: Read the report here.

There are critical disparities in media reporting on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) cases in Kenya, a new report shows.

“Who shapes the narrative?” reveals the disproportionate focus on urban centres like Nairobi and Mombasa compared to underrepresented regions such as Garissa and Trans-Nzoia.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) launched the report today after months of monitoring how the media has covered SRHR.

The analysis, based on 524 cases across print, online, radio, and television outlets, used data from Globetrack, over nine months, from October 2023 to June 2024. It highlighted media trends, gaps, and the influence of societal actors in shaping SRHR narratives.

Uneven coverage

Uneven coverage hampered efforts to create equitable awareness and access to SRHR services across Kenya, the report further reveals.

“Publishing this report is our commitment to follow up on human rights achievements and shortfalls. Without the media, it is nearly impossible to push for accountability,” said Annet Nerima, KHRC’s program manager.

According to the report, religious leaders, political figures, and human rights organizations significantly shape public opinion and SRHR policies.

Additionally, print media leads coverage by 49 per cent, while online platforms, radio, and television lag despite being most Kenyans' primary sources of information.

The study shows that media narratives often use frames like personal storytelling, human rights advocacy, and morality-based perspectives to influence public perception and policy.

The report follows another campaign KHRC led, Red Card, which spotlighted 20 Kenyan governors whose counties had the highest teenage pregnancies, violating a host of rights for our girls. Red Card urged the government to take decisive actions to mitigate unintended teenage pregnancies.

With 16 Days of Activism on—and currently on its fifth day—the report provides an opportunity for reflection among journalists, SRHR-focused organizations, and policymakers about the rights violations highlighted in this report.

“It is not just the media that shapes the SRHR narratives, but also the sources. Let’s allow the journalists to interact with the primary sources to have an authentic story that can be used for advocacy to realise human rights on SRHR”, said Claret Adhiambo, sub-editor at The Star newspaper.

The report urges journalists to focus on underreported areas and issues like gender-based violence and comprehensive sexuality education.

Religious leaders, policymakers, and human rights groups should collaborate to amplify accurate SRHR narratives and address cultural and religious barriers.

Ministries must prioritize implementing rights-based SRHR policies and bolster public education to fight stigma and misinformation.

“Everyone has a part to play in shaping the narrative. Don’t sit back. Speak up!” Margaret Nyambura, KELIN’s health lawyer, said.