Motivating Factors to the Engagement of Kenyan Personalities in Communication Development for Societal Benefit

Abstract

The development of any community is based on the communication that gives its people the ability to conceive of a desired change, imagine how to change it and make a choice to change. This paper is an analysis of the factors that motivated various Kenyan personalities to communicate in a way that could influence others to engage in beneficial and developmental actions for the community. The paper is based on the experiences of these individuals. The study used a qualitative research design to select ten Kenyans to share their life stories. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Analysis focused on participants’ narratives, and especially those parts of their stories that responded to the question on their motivation to act for the benefit of others. From the findings, the participants were continually critical of their lives and that led them to continuously search for solutions. That left them with a sense of inner security that could have given the freedom to be authentic and ready to learn and share in the on-going social construction of reality that resulted in transformation. It was found out that a sense of self, curiosity, questioning, trusting, caring and seeing new possibilities were positive influencers to community engagement leading to both personal and national development. Communication was key in their participation thus the paper concludes that communicative development is a combination of several factors including; family background, love of God and people, and interpersonal communication skills including speaking more than one language. The study recommends promotion of economic equity, strengthening family ties that incorporate ideals and aspirations which would inculcate in people unique, curious, and continuous learning with deep love for God and people. Keywords: Motivation, Communication, Participate, Community development, Engagement, Kenyans