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Eastleigh Voice's Farhiya Hussein is this year’s Forty Under 40 Achiever 2024 Kenya

Farhiya Hussein Hassan, the coastal-based reporter for The Eastleigh Voice, clinched the prestigious Forty Under 40 Africa Award in the Journalism category. (Photo: Forty Under 40 Africa)

By Amina Wako | 31 Mar 2024

She was previously honoured as the Best Journalist of the Year 2023 at the Mombasa Youth Awards and recognised among the 100 Most Influential Kenyan Muslims in 2023.

Farhiya Hussein Hassan, the coastal-based reporter for The Eastleigh Voice, clinched the prestigious Forty Under 40 Africa Award in the Journalism category.

Hosted at Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Kenya, the event saw about 150 nominees from 26 countries, including Kenya, vie for recognition of their remarkable contributions to various sectors.

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Over eight years of unwavering dedication and courage have marked Farhiya Hussein's journey to this accolade in the field of journalism.

Her recent spotlight came with her fearless exposé on the Shakahola Massacre, a tragic event that claimed the lives of over 400 individuals in Kenya.

Farhiya Hussein receiving the award at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Forty Under 40 Africa)

Speaking at the ceremony, she emphasised the critical role of journalism in uncovering truths that others might seek to bury, stating, "Journalism is not easy; it is airing and publishing what other people do not want to be published."

Upholding justice

Her bold actions not only earned her this esteemed award but also shed light on the indispensable role of investigative journalism in upholding justice and transparency within society.

Speaking during the award ceremony, the founder of the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, Richard Abbey, said they believe in the value of recognition and the drive for performance.

“The forty under 40 Africa Awards are to identify, honour, and celebrate the continent's most influential and accomplished young leaders under the age of forty from a wide range of industries we cover,” he said.

Farhiya Hussein speaking at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Forty Under 40 Africa)

He noted this to be the third edition of the continental award ceremony in Kenya after great success in Ghana over the last seven years.

Farhiya's accolades extend beyond this recent triumph. Previously honoured as the Best Journalist of the Year 2023 at the Mombasa Youth Awards and recognised among the 100 Most Influential Kenyan Muslims in 2023, she continues to inspire a generation of young journalists with her dedication and achievements.

The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, now in their third edition in Kenya, aim to identify, honour, and celebrate the continent's most influential young leaders across various sectors ranging from bar finance, energy, family business, agriculture, theatre and arts, journalism, fashion, law, sports, event management, health, and technology, amongst others.

The rigorous selection process involves public nominations, data collection, and vetting by a competent jury, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates receive recognition.