Original version

BBC World Service Online

The Fifth Floor

Factual: Life Stories

Global stories from the BBC’s 40 Language Services, with Faranak Amidi

Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services.

Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services

The Fifth Floor: Nairobi Uncovered

Nairobi

25/07/2014

Nairobi Uncovered

BBC World Service - The Fifth Floor, Nairobi Uncovered

An insider's view of Nairobi with the BBC journalists who work there

An insider's view of Nairobi with the BBC journalists who work there. Plus, a booming tour of the city by matatu taxi takes us to the Somali community, DJ school and more.

Security has been tight in the city since the Westgate attacks of September last year. Hardly a day goes past without security issues making their way into the news agenda. But how has life changed for the journalists reporting from and living in this vibrant, bustling city? David Amanor is in Nairobi to meet BBC Somali and Swahili teams to hear about the stories and from the people that show the character of the place.

We take a booming and bumping matatu ride for a tour of the city, hearing about its history and the quirks and nuances of each district. First stop is 'Little Mogadishu' aka Eastleigh, home to the majority of the city's Somali community. As part of the government security crackdown, houses in the neighbourhood are regularly searched and hundreds of Somalis have been detained accused of being illegally in the country. But does the fear of the police outweigh the fear of militant violence? The soundtrack for this leg of the journey comes from Waayaha Cusub - the hip hop collective who battle militant insurgency through rap. 

We also ask how the changing dynamics of the city have affected the local media landscape and the role of local journalism. And outside mainstream media, David heads to Homeboyz, a youth radio station and DJ school to learn to mix and scratch Nairobi style, and hear how the city's party scene is still booming in spite of the security challenges.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Fifth Floor

Nairobi Uncovered

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service