From Receptionist to News Royalty: The Untold Story of Lulu Hassan’s Rise to Fame

 

From Receptionist to News Royalty: The Untold Story of Lulu Hassan’s Rise to Fame

Lulu Hassan is today one of Kenya’s most respected and admired news anchors. But long before she graced national television screens, her life was marked by quiet determination, family responsibility, and a surprising phone call that set her career in motion.

**Coastal Roots and Quiet Dreams**

Born and raised in the coastal city of Mombasa, Lulu Khadija Hassan grew up as the eldest of three daughters. Her early life was grounded in a multicultural household, with heritage tied to both Seychellois and Kikuyu roots. She was a natural leader from a young age, and that leadership was tested when her mother fell ill and later passed away. Lulu, barely 20 at the time, took on the role of caretaker for her siblings and managed her late mother’s real estate business—while still searching for her own path.

She attended Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa for her secondary education and later enrolled at Salrene Travel Operations College, where she studied cabin crew operations, human resources, and ticketing. Back then, her dream was to fly the world, not appear on television.

**The Phone Call That Changed Everything**

While working as a receptionist at a computer company in 2005, Lulu answered a call that would change her life. The caller was so impressed by her voice that he asked whether she had considered working in media. She hadn’t—but the question stuck with her. That night, she began reading newspapers aloud to her mother, slowly sharpening her articulation and confidence.

Fueled by curiosity, Lulu applied for an open call for news presenters at a local radio station—Radio Salaam. Despite having no formal journalism training, she impressed during auditions and landed a part-time job reading English news. This was the moment Lulu discovered her calling.

**Breaking Into TV**

By 2008, Lulu had become a recognizable voice on radio. But television was calling. When a cameraman informed her about Swahili news anchor vacancies at KTN, she went for it. With a strong voice, a poised presence, and pure determination, she secured the job and began anchoring Swahili news for a national audience.

She adapted quickly to television, earning viewer admiration for her calm delivery, fluent Swahili, and authenticity. Despite dealing with the personal pain of losing her mother just as her TV career began, Lulu stayed committed to her growth.

**The Citizen TV Era and A New Kind of Newsroom**

Lulu’s big leap came when she joined Citizen TV, where she became a household name. She later made history as one-half of Kenya’s first husband-wife news anchor duo, co-hosting the weekend bulletin with her husband, Rashid Abdalla. Their chemistry, professionalism, and humility set them apart.

Beyond the news desk, Lulu has expanded her influence in film and television production. Under her production label, she co-produces some of the most-watched Swahili dramas in East Africa. She also uses her platform to mentor young creatives and aspiring journalists.

**Legacy of Grace and Growth**

Lulu Hassan’s journey is a powerful reminder that greatness is not born in spotlight—it’s forged in the quiet moments of responsibility, risk-taking, and resilience. Her story—from receptionist to national news royalty—shows the incredible potential that lies in following one’s instincts, no matter how unexpected the path may seem.

She is not just a news anchor. She is a storyteller, a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of what it means to rise with purpose.

Follow our blogs...