Rashid Abdalla: English Was My Favourite Subject But Kiswahili Feeds Me

Citizen TV news anchor Rashid Abdalla has lifted the lid on his favorite subject in school, what he scored in primary and high school, and why he had to choose journalism above other professions.

In a revealing quickfire interview with Mpasho’s Kalondu Musyimi, the renowned personality also provided a glimpse into the journey that shaped him.

These details emerge from rapid questions covering various aspects of his life, from personal preferences to professional milestones.

When asked about his favorite subject in school, Rashid Abdalla expressed a clear preference, saying that he liked English the most but surprisingly, later in life, It’s Kiswahili that is feeding him.

“Surprisingly, my favorite subject in school was English,” he stated.

This declaration highlights an affinity for English, suggesting an early interest in language and communication, skills undoubtedly crucial in his later career as a journalist and storyteller- but now doing it in a different language from his favorite one during childhood.

The interview also touched upon his performance in national exams, where he noted, "I passed with flying colors" in KCPE and "I did well" in KCSE, adding that his ability to create stories requires someone attentive, not someone who "amelala" – meaning someone dumb.

Further underscoring his educational background relevant to his profession, he confirmed that his course in college was Mass communication.

Delving into the origins of his professional life, Rashid Abdalla recounted his very first job as a radio presenter in Mombasa before shifting to Nairobi.

He shared, "My first job was as a journalist at Radio Salamu, a Mombasa station.”

Reflecting on the financial aspect of this initial role, he admitted that the earnings were not substantial at the time, stating, that although the salary wasn’t lucrative, it was enough to motivate him to work.

Crucially, this first journalistic post holds a deeply personal significance for Rashid Abdalla. It was at Radio Salam in Mombasa that a pivotal moment in his personal life occurred.

He revealed getting a wife at his first ever professional job as a journalist at the same workstation, the wife whom he is living with up to now.

“This was my very first workstation and that is where I got the lover of my heart. So, whenever I remember my first job, I also get memories of my first lover, whom I am with until now,” he explained.

This sentimental connection intertwines the beginning of his professional journey with the start of his long-term relationship, highlighting the profound personal meaning attached to his foundational experience in journalism at Radio Salam.

The transition from his academic preference for English and studying Communications to his first role as a journalist at a radio station provides a clear trajectory of his path into the media world, marked by both professional ambition and personal connection.