At just 22, a chance encounter with the late industrialist Dr. Chris Kirubi would change the course of Farida Idris’s life.
From selling timeshares in Nairobi and Sudan to spending 16 years rising through the ranks at Capital FM — eventually becoming its Commercial Director — Farida’s story is one of grit, grace, and transformation.
Today, she leads FID PR, a full-service creative and communications agency shaping some of Africa’s most inspiring brand stories.
She’s also behind Abyan Salon & Spa and The Tribe Vibe, lifestyle ventures that celebrate beauty, culture, and community.
Beyond business, her work with the Amahoro Coalition has amplified refugee inclusion and corporate partnerships across Africa — proving that communication, at its best, can be both business and purpose.
She is quick to acknowledge that her success was not a solo journey — crediting the incredible teams she’s worked with at Capital FM and across every venture for shaping her leadership and vision.
From Nairobi’s boardrooms to the United Nations in New York, Farida’s journey proves that when you bet on yourself, the world makes room for your voice.
Q&A With Farida Idris
Q: You’ve risen from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most respected communication leaders. What moments shaped the woman you are today?
I was raised in a home where integrity, hard work, and faith weren’t just values — they were a way of life. From selling timeshares to leading major festivals, every chapter prepared me for the next.
The moments of uncertainty — when I had to start over — built my resilience and defined the woman I’ve become.
Q: What was your first job, and how did it influence your outlook on success?
My first job was in high-pressure timeshare sales — in Nairobi and later Sudan. It taught me discipline, negotiation, and resilience.
That experience built my confidence and taught me the power of human connection.
It was during that period that I bumped into Dr. Chris Kirubi at a mall. That chance meeting changed everything. Shortly after, I joined Capital FM, and that’s where my career truly took shape.
Q: Your career at Capital FM spanned 16 years — what were some highlights?
My time at Capita FM was transformational. I rose through the ranks to become Commercial Director, and later, Projects Director for the Koroga Festival — one of East Africa’s biggest lifestyle and music events.
We built strong partnerships with both government and the private sector — from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to brands supporting national projects like the Beyond Zero Campaign.
Under my leadership, Capital FM became the title sponsor for the WRC Safari Rally, partnered with LET Ladies Golf, and supported countless cultural initiatives.
Those years taught me the art of influence, partnership, and purpose-driven communication.
Q: What did working with the late Dr. Kirubi teach you?
Everything. He wasn’t just a boss — he was a mentor and life teacher. He saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself.
He exposed me to boardrooms I never imagined I’d sit in — meetings with presidents, high-level negotiations, and major national projects. He constantly reminded me that confidence, preparation, and excellence would open doors that talent alone couldn’t.
His mentorship built my foundation — not just as a professional, but as a woman who believes she belongs at the table.
Q: What inspired you to transition from media to PR and entrepreneurship?
The transition was organic. While still at Capital FM, I found myself being approached for advice on branding and communication strategy.
That demand evolved into FID PR, an agency rooted in storytelling and authenticity.
Later, my work with the Amahoro Coalition extended my passion into the social impact space — helping bridge the gap between corporate Kenya and refugee talent. It reminded me that communication can change lives, not just brands.
Q: What lessons have you learned from leading teams and working under pressure? Leadership isn’t about power; it’s about presence. I learned to lead with empathy and accountability — to listen more than I spoke. Every challenge was a classroom, and every success, a shared victory.
Q: What drives you to keep breaking barriers in male-dominated industries?
Purpose. Every time I walk into a room where women are few, I remember that I’m standing there for those who haven’t yet been invited in. My mission is to make space — to show that leadership can look like empathy, and success can sound like collaboration.
Q: What advice would you give to young women chasing their dreams?
Don’t shrink yourself to fit in. Create your own space. Stay curious and grounded — and remember that your voice has power, even when it trembles. Preparation and authenticity will always open the right doors.
Q: You recently represented Kenya at the UN General Assembly in New York. How did that feel?
It was surreal — a full-circle moment. Standing on that global stage reminded me that faith and consistency can take you anywhere. It wasn’t just about being there; it was about representing Kenya, women, and purpose-driven leadership on a world platform.
Q: When you think of the young woman you once were, what would you tell her?
That every setback is a setup for purpose. You don’t have to have it all figured out — just start. Be kind to yourself, trust your timing, and never dim your light to fit in. The world needs your brilliance exactly as it is.
About #HerVoice
#HerVoice by Y News is a storytelling series profiling 200 inspiring women who are breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and driving change across Kenya and Africa — one powerful story at a time.