Veteran news anchor Salim Kikeke quits BBC Swahili after 20 years

Award-winning media personality Salim Kikeke has officially parted ways with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) after 20 years.

Kikeke announced his departure from the London-based media house on Friday, where he hosted his last Swahili bulletin.

The legendary journalist thanked the BBC management for the opportunity to work with them over the years.

“Leo ni sku yangu ya mwisho kama Mtangzaji wa BBC na nimekuwa BBC kwa miaka 20.

"Nimekuwa na wakati mzuri hapa London tangu nilipojiunga na BBC nikiwa redio, kisha televisheni, ninakwenda kufanya majukumu mengine na leo hii ndio itakuwa mara yangu ya mwisho leo kutangaza Dira ya Dunia.

("Today is my last day at BBC after 20 years. I have had a good time here in London since I joined BBC Radio, then TV… I’m going to do other things and today is going to be my last day to host Dira ya Dunia)

I’m leaving here because of personal reasons and sometimes it’s important to know when to leave,”).

He also expressed his gratitude towards his colleagues at BBC stating that he has enjoyed working with them.

"Ninawashukuru wafanyakazi niliokuwa nikifanya nao kazi hapa BBC na vyombo vingine vya habari nilivyofanya nao kazi kabla sijaja hapa, wote mmenisaidia sana kutimiza ndoto zangu na kunifikisha hapa nilipo leo.

(I want to thank my colleagues that I have worked with here at BBC and other places I have worked before I joined BBC. They have all contributed to building the person I’m today.

“I’m here to thank the Almighty God who has enabled me t be here and to you my viewer for always watching and supporting me) ” Salim Kikeke said.

Kikeke has left BBC together with his  two colleagues  Mariam Omary and Suluma Kassim.

Salim who joined BBC back in 2003 hails from Tanzania and he has won several awards for his exemplary work. 

Kikeke attended Birkbeck, University of London from 2011-2015, where he received a Bachelor's degree in international relations and affairs. 

In 2014 and 2015 he won the award for Best TV Presenter in Tanzania at the People’s Choice Awards.

He was reporting on events across Africa as well as commentating on EPL Football commentator in Kiswahili

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