Exploring the Value of Performing Arts in Communicating Social Change in Kibera, Nairobi

Abstract

The 2030 deadline for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is fast approaching. Emphasis on development communication, especially creative communication to ensure social and economic development efforts are participatory, context-specific, and multidisciplinary is growing. However, there is little or no deeper understanding of the potential of creative communication in promoting social change in informal settlements. This study sought to bridge this gap and explored the value of creative communication in promoting social change in Kibera, Kenya. Using participatory and multiplicity models of development communication theory, the study sought to explore three research objectives. The first objective explored opportunities performing arts creates in communicating social change in Kibera. The second objective examined contributions of performing arts to personal development in communicating social change in Kibera. The third objective uncovered personal experiences with creative communication in promoting social change in Kibera. The study adopted exploratory research design with Amani Kibera as the population of choice. Using purposive sampling, the study chose a sample of 20 participants who participated in the study. Ten (8) face-to-face interviews were conducted with creative artists with the aid of interview guides. Two (2) focus group discussions of six (6) creative communication producers and six (6) creative art directors were also conducted. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis technique. Regarding the opportunities that creative communication creates in promoting social change, the findings uncovered that creative communication gives young people voices to communicate their development needs, encourages dialogue on development priorities, raises awareness about development aspirations of those living in informal settings, and offers space for collaboration, thus, offering the opportunity for inclusive diverse voices for communicating change. Regarding the second objective, the findings discovered that creative communication contributes to personal development in communicating change. In particular, the results revealed that creative communication boosts confidence and public speaking, increases discipline and teamwork, offers sense of purpose and direction in communicating social issues, and improve leadership skills and empathy in driving communication messages that aligns with the values and cultural beliefs of those living in Kibera. Concerning the final objective of the study, the results confirmed that creative communication provides positive personal experiences in communicating social change. One positive personal experience is that creative communication serves as a transformational space for communicating social issues. It also brings people together, engaging both the heart and the minds of the audience. This inspires reflection and action. Importantly, creative communication breakdown language barriers, fostering inclusivity, hence, communication in one voice. It provides a platform for raising awareness, inspiring dialogue, and motivating young people to become development-oriented agents. This study concludes that creative communication provides critical opportunities in promoting development needs, enhances a range of communication skills necessary to achieve development goals, and provides positive experiences that inspire effective development communication in informal areas. The study recommends policymakers to incorporate creative communication as a development communication medium for promoting social change in informal settings. Future studies could also focus on exploring the long-term value of creative communication in promoting social change in informal settlements.