Salim Kikeke is a journalist and television presenter currently working for the BBC. He presents Focus on Africa (TV programme) on BBC World News, Amka na BBC and Dira ya Dunia on BBC News Swahili on BBC World Service.
Profile
Full Name: Salim Kikeke
Nationality: Tanzanian
Profession: Journalist, Television Presenter
Known For: BBC Swahili programs: Dira Ya Dunia, Amka na BBC, Focus on Africa
Date of Birth: November 6, 1978
Children: Has a daughter and a son named Yoan Issa
Educational Status: Graduate – Diploma in Irrigation Engineering; Journalism studies in 1997
Languages Spoken: Swahili and English
Residence: London, United Kingdom (during BBC tenure)
Years Active: 1995–2023 (in media and journalism)
Early Life and Education
Salim Kikeke was born November 6, 1978. Journalist, producer, and presenter who hosted Dira ya Dunia, Amka na BBC, and BBC Swahili’s radio program Ulimwengu wa Soka.
Salim Kikeke was born and raised in Tanzania, where his early life was shaped by modest beginnings and a strong sense of ambition. After completing his secondary education, he initially ventured into mining in 1995, a job he took up three years after graduation. This period marked a turning point, as it helped him realize his passion lay elsewhere.
In 1997, Salim made a decisive move toward journalism by enrolling at the Tanzania School of Journalism, a respected institution known for nurturing media professionals. His time there laid the foundation for his future career, equipping him with the skills and confidence to enter the broadcasting world.
His first media job was as a scriptwriter for Radio Tanzania, where he quickly transitioned into producing and presenting music shows. This early exposure to radio helped him develop a distinctive voice and style that would later become his trademark. Salim’s bilingual fluency in Swahili and English also gave him an edge, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences.
From these humble beginnings, Salim’s journey reflects a blend of grit, curiosity, and a deep commitment to storytelling. His educational path wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it was about discovering a calling that would eventually take him to global platforms like the BBC.
Career
Kikeke’s first job was as a minor in a mining field in Tanzania in 1995, three years after his graduation. He later joined Radio Tanzania as a scriptwriter, later as a musical show producer and presenter. From 2000 to 2001, he worked as a presenter on Channel 10 and presented in both swahili and English.
Kikeke joined television in 2001 and worked as a presenter on ITV, a Tanzanian television station until 2003 when he moved to the BBC as a producer and presenter of a Swahili language morning radio show Amka na BBC and later produced and presented Dira ya Dunia, an East and Central Africa focused news magazine in Swahili both on BBC News Swahili on BBC World Service. He currently presents Focus on Africa on BBC World News. While at BBC, Kikeke covered the 2008 USA elections, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Westgate attack in September 2013 in Kenya and the funeral and burial ceremonies of South African former president, Nelson Mandela among other events.
Personal Life
Salim Kikeke is a proud father and has shared glimpses of his personal life with the public. He is a single parent and has mentioned having a daughter, whom he has raised while balancing his demanding career. He also has a son named Yoan Issa, and occasionally posts family-related content on social media. Though born and raised in Tanzania, Salim has spent much of his professional life in London, where he was based during his tenure with the BBC.
Despite his public role, Salim tends to keep his private life relatively low-key. He has been seen with public figures like Zari Hassan, though he hasn’t publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. His journey from a casual miner to an internationally recognized journalist reflects not only professional resilience but also personal dedication to his family.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Salim Kikeke’s estimated net worth ranges between $100,000 and $1 million. His income primarily stems from his long-standing career as a journalist, producer, and presenter, notably with the BBC and other Tanzanian media outlets. While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, this estimate reflects his professional achievements and media presence over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Salim Kikeke
Who is Salim Kikeke?
Salim Kikeke is a Tanzanian journalist and broadcaster best known for his work with the BBC, where he anchored Dira Ya Dunia and contributed to Focus on Africa and Amka na BBC.
What is his background?
He was born and raised in Tanzania. Before entering journalism, he worked in mining in 1995, three years after graduating with a diploma in Irrigation Engineering.
Where did he study journalism?
In 1997, Salim enrolled at the Tanzania School of Journalism, where he pursued his passion for media and storytelling.
What was his first media job?
His first role was as a scriptwriter at Radio Tanzania. He later became a producer and presenter of a music show.
When did he join the BBC?
Salim joined the BBC in 2003 as a producer and presenter for the Swahili radio show Amka na BBC. He later became the lead anchor for Dira Ya Dunia.
What major events has he covered?
He reported on several global events, including:
- The 2008 U.S. presidential election
- The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
- The 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Kenya
- Nelson Mandela’s funeral
Is Salim Kikeke still with the BBC?
No, he retired from the BBC in April 2023 after 20 years of service.
What is known about his personal life?
Salim is a single father of two children—a daughter and a son named Yoan Issa. He has lived in London for much of his career.
What is Salim Kikeke’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $1 million, based on his long-standing media career.