Examining News Media Use and Trust in Public Institutions in Kenya: The Moderating Role of Perceived Corruption and Political Freedom

Abstract

Much empirical research has examined the nexus between trust in public institutions and media use, but most of which is Western-centric. We steer off this lane using Afrobarometer survey data (N = 2,400) to examine this phenomenon in Kenya. Hierarchical regression analysis shows that the perceived corruption in Kenyan institutions statistically stifled the theoretical perception of a positive relationship between trust in institutions and media usage. Specifically, radio surfaced as a vital player in cultivating trust in public institutions, especially when perceived corruption is low. Moreover, perceived political freedom interacts with radio use in shaping trust, indicating a dynamic relationship between institutional inquiry, media consumption for news, and democratic procedures in Kenya. We discuss the implications of these findings and offer areas for further research.