Amina Fakii, one of Kenya’s most revered and recognisable radio voices, has died at the age of 83. Her passing on Sunday, December 21, marks the end of an era for a nation that grew up with her calm, authoritative presence on the airwaves.

Fakii’s death is more than the loss of a broadcaster; it is the silencing of a voice that for many Kenyans was synonymous with trust and professionalism in news. Her career, which began shortly after independence in 1963 at the then-Voice of Kenya (VoK), helped to define the standards of public broadcasting in the country.

A Voice That Shaped a Nation

Joining the national broadcaster as it was finding its footing, Fakii became a cornerstone of KBC, particularly on the Swahili service, then known as Idhaa ya Taifa. She was part of a golden era of broadcasting, admired for her meticulous preparation, command of language, and an unwavering dedication to informing and educating the public.

Colleagues remembered her as a quiet force of excellence. Veteran journalist Elizabeth Obege noted Fakii’s profound understanding of the responsibility that came with the microphone, stating she “carried herself with dignity and humility.” Another former colleague, Khadija Ali, recalled her as a standard-setter who inspired others to be better.

Tributes From a Grateful Nation

News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country, affirming her impact on the national consciousness. Leaders, journalists, and the public took to social media to honour her memory.

• Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho described her as a legendary broadcaster who made an “invaluable contribution to the media industry and served the public with dedication, professionalism and integrity.”
• Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo hailed her as a trailblazer whose professionalism “inspired generations and helped shape Kenya's broadcast landscape.”
• KBC Managing Director Agnes Nguna noted that Fakii’s voice “resonated with warmth, authenticity, and professionalism,” and that she upheld the core values of service broadcasting.

Fakii’s family announced she was laid to rest on Monday at the Ngong Muslim cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.

Though her voice has fallen silent, Amina Fakii’s legacy endures in the high standards she set, the countless journalists she mentored, and the trust she built with a nation that listened intently for decades.