Rachael Akidi announces BBC exit after 21 years

BBC Head of East Africa Languages Rachael Akidi is the latest to announce her exit from the British broadcaster.

In a statement on Monday, Akidi said she has recorded some great moments of African history over the past five years.

She added that during this time, the BBC experimented, took risks and also grew as a brand.

"This week I come to the end of my stint as Head of East Africa for the BBC. It has been an incredible five and a half years- overseeing BBC News operations for six multimedia language services in the East and Horn of Africa region.

"I’ve decided to leave the BBC this summer after 21 years!!! I’ve had an awesome ride from the day I boarded a flight from Uganda to London to join BBC Focus on Africa and Network Africa programmes as a fresh graduate," she said.

Akidi said her younger self could not imagine that one day she'd end up performing all the editorial duties, she has.

She added that one day, she will write about her journey.

"For now, I want to say thank you to all my teams, colleagues and my personal board of directors who have supported me along the way. And thanks to my Nairobi teams- for the series of beautiful send-off events."

Akidi is the latest to announce her departure after East Africa Correspondent Ferdinand Omondi who left last week.

Over her 21 years at the BBC, Akidi has worked as a Producer of The World Today, Producer of African News and Current Affairs, Planning Editor of African News and Current Affairs, Senior Producer of BBC Africa Debate, Editor - Focus on Africa radio, and Head of Journalism (Africa)- BBC World Service.