Analysis of The Standard Newspaper -July 25,2025
Tone
The tone of The Standard on July 25, 2025, is largely investigative and critical, exposing systemic failures in governance, healthcare, and law enforcement. It adopts a confrontational stance toward authorities, particularly in cases like Mediheal’s organ trafficking and police brutality, using strong language such as “coerced donors” and “disproportionate force.” However, it balances this with a measured tone in sports and legal victories, celebrating achievements like Agnes Ngetich’s Olympic qualification and Kenya’s arbitration win.
Track
The newspaper’s track focuses on accountability, highlighting corruption, human rights abuses, and financial mismanagement across multiple sectors. Stories like the Mediheal scandal, education funding crisis, and illegal extradition case reinforce a pattern of institutional dysfunction. At the same time, it tracks progress in sports and legal battles, offering a counter-narrative of resilience and justice.
Framing
The Standard frames its stories to emphasize victimization and systemic injustice, portraying citizens as vulnerable to exploitation by powerful entities like hospitals, police, and the government. The framing of fiscal mismanagement and debt as a burden on future generations positions the Ruto administration as irresponsible. Conversely, sports and legal victories are framed as triumphs of merit and perseverance, fostering national pride.
Editorial Agenda
The editorial agenda prioritizes exposing corruption, demanding accountability, and advocating for transparency in governance and public institutions. By prominently featuring scandals like organ trafficking and ghost schools, the paper pushes for reforms and judicial action. Meanwhile, its coverage of sports and legal wins aligns with a secondary agenda of inspiring hope and highlighting Kenya’s potential despite systemic challenges.
Conclusion
The Standard on July 25, 2025, serves as a watchdog, sharply critiquing authorities while amplifying voices of victims and activists. Its blend of hard-hitting investigations and uplifting stories creates a narrative of a nation grappling with deep-seated issues yet capable of success. Ultimately, the paper reinforces its role as a platform for accountability, reform, and national pride.