Kenyan Podcasts You Should Tune Into

Nairobi is experiencing a creative renaissance involving artists, influencers, activists and entrepreneurs. Kenyan millennials have realised the value of podcasts, which are brilliant for communicating narratives neglected by established media outlets. Here are eight podcasts produced from and by Kenyans that you need to tune into to get a glimpse of this generation’s truth.

‘She Shapes the City’

She Shapes the City celebrates female African change-makers in totality and tells their stories to inspire others. The podcast unveils remarkable women working in various sectors to solve the challenges facing their cities and communities. Among the pioneers featured are 12 women from Nairobi who are worth getting to know.

‘Nipe Story’

Nipe Story – translated from the Swahili phrase meaning ‘tell me a story’ – is a fortnightly Kenyan podcast that gives a voice to written short stories. The stories are strikingly narrated, bringing the characters and plots vividly alive. The selection of writers ranges across the literary landscape; stories range from five minutes to 25 minutes in length, and make for great listening on a long drive.

‘Omenerds Podcast’

Omenerds Podcast perfectly illustrates being a Kenyan millennial struggling to cope with adulthood. Listening to the show, you get the feeling that you are privy to an intimate gathering of friends humorously discussing Kenya’s middle-class social and cultural woes. They often host a creative mix of guests to join in with their debates and conversations.

‘The Spread’

The Spread podcast and its fiery hostess are no strangers to controversy. Although the podcast tackles a number of issues concerning sex and sexuality, it was erroneously branded a ‘lesbian show’ by state officials during its debut year. Subsequently losing its network deal, the show carried on independently. Guests on The Spread offer a fresh take on matters relating to life, love, dating and sex.

‘Otherwise?’

Proudly Kenyan, Otherwise? is a weekly show that explores Kenyan current affairs issues as chosen by the people. The podcast is a timely and relevant conduit for conversations surrounding Kenya’s social and economic climate. Otherwise? benefits from a host who does her homework and has all her facts at the ready. It presents a youthful but informative platform that tackles issues differently than the mainstream traditional and new media channels.

‘Afracanah’

Afracanah is a fun, energetic lifestyle and culture podcast hosted by two women who feel like your best friends. The podcast primarily focusses on the African diaspora experience on the continent. The hosts dive easily into topics such as current affairs, Africa’s tech space, development issues, inspirational women, and navigating the world of dating, culture and music.

‘2 Girls & a Pod’

2 Girls & a Pod is a literary podcast hosted by two women. It offers a refreshing insight into African writing from a Kenyan perspective. Generally, they discuss and analyse African fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction. It is energising that the show offers a truthful critique of different literary pieces without either fawning over or attacking African writers.

‘Kenyan Queer Questions’

Kenyan Queer Questions attempts to tackle positively the toxicity that surrounds the LGBTQ community in Kenya. Government policy continues to isolate LGBTQ Kenyans in legal limbo, while the society amplifies the issue through continued silence or outright verbal and physical violence to those who are openly queer. The podcast hosts routinely answer questions sent into their podcasts with a beautiful and earnest vulnerability.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.