How TV can improve behaviour among children and families in Kenya

Although learning was not part of the overt objectives of the TV at its introduction in Kenya in 1962, it has turned out to be a major tool through which learning and behaviour change can be achieved. When TV was introduced, it was seen primarily as a medium of communication, especially to pass information concerning politics. In the 90s, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) began prefacing its news with updates on the President’s itinerary followed by the Vice President’s and this is what made up the news.  Even though there were TV programs that aired on the TV station, the content was not targeted at children’s viewing but rather a general viewing, especially for those with an interest in what happened in the political scene. In the same breath, the content aired did not directly promote teaching and learning as there was no wide acceptance that technology, TV specifically, could impact behaviour or learning.