Farida Idris never planned to become one of Africa’s leading voices in public relations, but her journey from hustling timeshare deals in Nairobi and Sudan to shaping powerful brand narratives across the continent proves that belief and grit can rewrite destiny.
In her early twenties, when many of her peers were still figuring life out, Farida’s sharp mind and gift of persuasion caught the attention of one of Kenya’s most iconic businessmen, the late Dr Chris Kirubi. She was just 22 when their paths crossed, a chance encounter that would change everything.
Kirubi, then the owner of Capital FM, saw something in her, and soon, she walked through the station’s doors as a young woman with more ambition than experience. What followed was a 16-year climb that saw her move from a junior role to Commercial Director, shaping the brand partnerships and business model that powered Capital FM into one of the country’s most influential media platforms.
Her work wasn’t just about advertising; it was about storytelling. About knowing how to make audiences listen. And those years became her classroom.
Idris’s success, she insists, isn’t a solo act. “Every step of my journey has been shaped by the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work with,” she often says, a reflection of her gratitude and collaborative spirit.
When she finally branched out, Farida didn’t just leave to start a business, she carried with her an entire philosophy about authenticity, African identity, and purpose-driven branding.
Today, she runs FID PR, a communications agency that has become synonymous with crafting African brand stories rooted in truth and impact.
Her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there, she’s also behind Abyan Salon & Spa and The Tribe Vibe, ventures that celebrate African beauty, community, and culture in modern, empowering ways.
But Farida’s influence stretches beyond boardrooms and beauty. Through her work with the Amahoro Coalition, she’s been instrumental in advancing refugee inclusion and corporate collaboration across Africa, turning business into a force for social change.
From Nairobi’s corporate corridors to United Nations panels in New York, Farida Idris has built a legacy on courage, curiosity, and conviction.
Her story is one of a woman who saw possibility where others saw barriers, and proved that betting on yourself is often the most powerful investment you can make.