Kenyan activist and media professional Hanifa Adan, is joining Radio Generation as a presenter.
Known for her role in the 2024 youth-led demonstrations, she says her work is driven by a “quest for justice”, aiming to amplify real stories, spotlight inequality, demand accountability, and push for systems that serve all Kenyans fairly through active civic engagement.
She rose to national prominence during the 2024 youth-led demonstrations, where she actively engaged with young people and articulated their concerns around governance and inequality.
Speaking on Friday during a Radio Generation interview, she said her activism is rooted in personal experiences with inequality and a persistent drive for fairness.
“One of my biggest drive is that sense of justice,” she said. “I grew up in a place where you wake up every single day, and you're face to face with inequality and injustices.”
She explained that her upbringing shaped a questioning mindset that continues to inform her activism.
“Why is this like this? This is not fair. This should not be like this,” she said, adding that she has always been “driven by that urge for justice and fairness.”
Her mission, she said, is to push for systems that serve all citizens equally.
“I want to see us living in a place where the systems work for us and not against us,” she said, noting that youths are being wasted away due to structural challenges.
Hanifa also emphasised the importance of intergenerational responsibility, highlighting that leaders should fight for the next generation and not for themselves.
On governance, she described a growing disconnect between leaders and citizens, marked by mistrust.
“Ever since 2024 youth-led demonstrations, there’s been mistrust between our leaders and citizens,” she said, attributing this to “betrayal” and “lack of accountability.”
She argued that many leaders fail to acknowledge the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
The media personality further criticised what she described as entrenched corruption.
“You just wake up, and news all over say a certain amount of money has been lost. It’s become a routine,” she said.
According to her, addressing these challenges requires sustained public pressure.
“They always need to be reminded who the real bosses are, who put them in power,” she said, referring to the ordinary citizens as the real bosses of these politicians Kenyans elect.
She warned of the risks of inaction, stating: “Unchecked power is what will lead to the destruction of a beautiful country,” and stressed the need to hold leaders accountable every single chance we get.
As she transitions into her new role as a Generation Report co-host alongside Patriciah Wayua, she expressed enthusiasm about engaging audiences through radio. “I’m very excited, this is my first time as a radio host,” she said.
She outlined her vision for the programme as one focused on impactful storytelling and national renewal.
“I’m hoping to drive real-life stories, stories that are impactful,” she said. “I’m hoping to set the narrative that there’s hope in this country.”
The activist added that the show would prioritise authenticity and objectivity. “Just real, raw and unbiased stories, stories that drive change,” she said.
Her experience engaging with public figures, she said, will shape her interviewing style.
“I’ve always wanted to sit somewhere and have a conversation with all kinds of people, just ask real questions,” she said.
With a large online following, she expressed confidence in continued support from her audience. “They have amazing support online, something I do not take for granted,” she said, noting how she will engage her online audiences during the show.
Her move reflects a broader shift among activists seeking to use media platforms to amplify calls for justice, accountability and systemic reform in Kenya.
Hanifa's new role reaffirms the growing influence of youth-led voices in shaping national discourse.
