BBC seeks digital journalists for Nairobi hub

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is seeking six journalists as it readies to launch its new digital innovation hub in Nairobi.

In an advertisement placed in a section of today’s press, the BBC said it is hiring a broadcast journalist (digital), women’s affairs journalist, interactive journalist, broadcast journalist, social media visual artist and growth editor.

Candidates must have demonstrable skills and experience in their area and have until November 6 to apply.

The Nairobi hub is part of BBC’s ambition to develop digital journalism in Africa.

As part of its expansion plans, BBC recently held a career fair in Nairobi this week where more than 400 practicing and aspiring media professionals turned up.

In May, the broadcaster revealed it is investing nearly Ksh 1.04 billion (US$10 million) in modern multimedia production studios in Kenya, which will lead to the creation of 250 new jobs.

BBC Africa Regional Editor Solomon Mugeral told President Uhuru Kenyatta 200 of the jobs will go to Kenyans, and, additionally, the investment will provide an internship and mentoring programme for upcoming journalists, digital and technical producers.

“From Nairobi, the BBC will work with local broadcasters and independent production companies to create local and regional content across various genres, including business and health,” he said in a briefing note.

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“The international broadcaster is also introducing six new language services: three of them Amharic, Afaan Oromo and Tigrinya will be produced in Nairobi for audiences in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The BBC already produces Kiswahili and Somali programmes from its bureau in Nairobi. The other three new languages Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin will be based in Lagos, Nigeria,” the note said.

President Uhuru commended the BBC for its new investment in Kenya, saying that the country was known for its free and robust media, skilled talent in the media and the arts, and unmatched ICT infrastructure on the continent.

“We have made massive investments in infrastructure that make us the investment destination of choice for many and we are elated that the BBC is making these giant steps that will lead to employment of some of Kenya’s talent,” he said.