The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced that it will be investing nearly $10 million (Sh1 billion) to construct an Ultra-modern multimedia production studio in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
The firm will create more than 250 employment opportunities, according to a senior BBC editor who spoke to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday in London.
In briefing notes to the head of state, Solomon Mugera said that of the 250 jobs, 200 will be reserved for Kenyans. “The investment will provide an internship and mentoring program for upcoming journalists, digital and technical producers,” he said.
He added that “from Nairobi, the BBC will work with local broadcasters and independent production companies to create local and regional content including business and health.”
Mugera further said that the British giant broadcaster will also introduce six new language services: three of them Amharic, Afaan Oromo and Tigrinya, that will be produced in Nairobi for audiences in Ethiopia and Eritrea, a move that will further create more jobs in the country.
“The BBC already produces Kiswahili and Somali programs from its bureau in Nairobi. The other three new languages Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin will be based in Lagos, Nigeria,” the notes state.
In his speech, president Uhuru applauded BBC for the new investment in Kenya adding that the Kenya was known for its thriving democracy that has guaranteed a free and robust media, skilled talent in the media and the arts that are unmatched in the entire continent.
“We have made massive infrastructure improvements that make us the investment destination of choice for many,” Uhuru said.
“We are elated that the BBC is making these giant steps that will lead to employment of some of Kenya’s talent,” the President said.
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