Celebrated journalist Jamila Mohamed is no stranger to Kenyan screens. For over two decades, she has told compelling stories in Swahili language.
On Friday, August 1, she was honoured as one of the 50 Most Influential Women of 2025 by Africapitol,an organisation celebrating Africa, an esteemed award reserved for a select few.
But Jamila’s journey didn’t start with success. Her story is one of humility, passion, and unwavering perseverance.
How Jamila rose from sales rep to celebrated journalist
Speaking to Citizen TV, Jamila narrated how she rose from a mere sales representative to telling the world's most important and influential stories on TV.
''My entry into the media is an interesting one because I started as a sales representative at IQRA FM in 2000. At the time, I had no media training; my competence was in IT from the Diploma I had. Nevertheless, my desire and passion opened the door for me to join the radio newsroom as a newsreader and a reporter,'' she narrated.
Her big break came at NTV Kenya, where she quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her sharp editorial instincts and calm on-screen presence.
She is one of the few hijab-wearing anchors in mainstream media, and this has challenged stereotypes and inspired countless young women to pursue careers in journalism without compromising their identity. She stayed in NTV for 16 years before transitioning to Citizen TV in 2018.
Career and Life Growth
While at NTV, she leveraged the opportunity to advance her career and went back to school to attain her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. It is also during this period that she got married and had five children.
At NTV, she covered elections, referendums, riots and demonstrations, attacks, and tribal clashes in Africa.
''At one time, I was at a hotel in Mogadishu when an explosive exploded at the hotel. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life,'' she narrated.
Citizen TV Career
Jamila transitioned to Citizen TV in 2018 as a Senior News anchor and Managing Editor of the Swahili division, a role she still holds to this day.
Under her leadership, the newsroom embraced more inclusive storytelling, spotlighting underreported communities and issues often ignored by mainstream outlets.
Her strong opinions on News Gang, Jamila's Memo segment, have forced Kenyans to hold heavy conversations on the state of the nation.
Awards and Achievements;
- 2022 – Honoured for Excellence in Swahili Journalism by the Media Council of Kenya
- 2023 – Named among Top 100 Most Impactful Women in East African Media by a regional media consortium
- 2025 – Listed among Kenya’s 50 Most Influential Women by Africapitol, recognised for her leadership, integrity, and transformative impact on journalism.
Speaking at the awards ceremony held at a Nairobi Hotel, Jamila encouraged Kenyan women to continue telling their stories, no matter the small corners they are from. Her story continues to encourage more young women to pursue their dreams.
