Abstract:
The realisation of sustainable development goal 3: Health and well-being remains an elusive
dream for most countries. One of the barriers to its achievement in Kenya is inadequate access to
health services. Indigenous language media have been touted as the best vehicle for communicating
development matters as they are the most commonly spoken and understood by the most marginalised
communities. However, inadequate scientific and technical terminology can hinder effective
communication. This paper seeks to show how scientific and technical terminologies are presented on
the program “Penj Laktar” on Ramogi TV, an indigenous language television station in Kenya that
broadcasts in the Dholuo language. It is a qualitative study with a case study approach. Data from
10 conveniently selected episodes were collected through observation, coded, analysed and presented
descriptively. Results showed that the use of English was predominant in reference to diseases and
medical conditions. However, the presenter and visiting doctors also employed strategies to explain
medical terminologies in Dholuo. There was also evidence of terminological development and a
commitment to language growth by the media house. These findings could help Media houses review
their use of medical terminologies in the Dholuo language, thereby improving communication with
the target communities and access to health information. The study provided a rare East African
perspective of indigenous language media. It further showed that Indigenous language media can
adapt and are adapting to science and technology. To further develop medical terminologies, media
houses should collaborate with medical professionals
