Kenya’s booming podcast scene is set to take the stage next month as three of the country’s most popular shows (TMI Podcast, The Sandwich Podcast, and So This Is Love) headline a day of live performances in Nairobi.
The event powered by Spotify is dubbed ‘Podcast Live Sessions: Nairobi,’ and will take place on September 6 at Shamba Café, bringing together fans and creators in a rare opportunity to experience the country’s biggest podcast voices beyond headphones and streaming platforms.
Kicking off the day will be TMI Podcast, hosted by Lydia and Murugi Munyi, whose frank, witty takes on relationships, womanhood, and everyday struggles have earned them a fiercely loyal following.
Their live shows have previously sold out, which adds oomph to their cultural pull among young Kenyans navigating modern life.
In the afternoon slot, The Sandwich Podcast team, known for their laid-back banter and comedic reflections on Kenyan society, will step up with the kind of humour and relatability that has made them a staple for listeners seeking light-hearted conversation.
Closing the night will be Julia Gaitho’s ‘So This Is Love’, which blends intimate storytelling with explorations of romance, heartbreak, and everything in between. The live session promises the same emotional punch that has turned her podcast into a fan favourite.
Podcasting has grown into one of Kenya’s most dynamic creative industries, with audiences embracing local voices on topics as varied as finance, feminism, mental health, and pop culture. For many listeners, podcasts offer a sense of community and authenticity rarely found in mainstream media.
The Nairobi showcase reflects both the appetite for homegrown stories and the increasing recognition of podcasts as a cultural force.
Podcasting has quietly evolved into one of Kenya’s most dynamic creative industries.
According to Spotify’s 2024 listening data, Kenya is one of the fastest-growing podcast markets in Africa, with audiences consuming everything from finance and mental health to feminism, comedy, and pop culture.
For many, podcasts have become an alternative to mainstream media — offering authenticity, relatability, and niche conversations that resonate with younger listeners. [Boniface Mithika]