Lulu Hassan, whose full name is Khadija Hassan Musa, has established herself as more than a familiar face on Citizen TV. Alongside her career in journalism and television, she has built a successful business empire with her husband and fellow broadcaster, Rashid Abdalla.
The couple are the founders of Jiffy Pictures, a production company that has become an influential name in Kenya’s Swahili entertainment industry. Hassan serves as the company’s chief executive officer and has played a major role in overseeing its growth and television productions.
Jiffy Pictures has been behind several popular Swahili dramas, including Maria, Zora, Sultana, Kovu, Maza, Aziza, Huba, Moyo and Ayana. The productions have been broadcast on Citizen TV and MultiChoice’s Maisha Magic channels, while some have also been made available to audiences through streaming services.
Beyond television dramas, the company earns revenue from commercial production, advertising and marketing services. This has enabled Hassan to develop a business career that operates alongside her work as a journalist and television personality.
The road to building the company was not easy. Hassan has previously spoken about the difficulties she and her husband encountered when they sought financial backing during the early stages of their business. Several banks were initially hesitant to support their idea before Gulf African Bank eventually agreed to finance the venture after assessing their plans.
At the beginning, the couple relied on rented production equipment. Their first production reportedly suffered a major financial loss, but instead of abandoning the project, they continued investing in the company. Over time, they were able to purchase their own equipment and expand their operations.
Hassan has also developed relationships with major brands. Her commercial partnerships have included work with Downy, while she previously participated in Dettol’s “Be A Hero” campaign alongside journalist Julie Gichuru.
Her entry into broadcasting was also unexpected. In 2005, while working as a receptionist in Mombasa, a caller who was impressed by her voice encouraged her to consider a career in radio or television. She later joined Radio Salaam before moving to KTN and eventually becoming a prominent presenter at Citizen TV.
Today, Hassan’s professional portfolio stretches across journalism, television production, corporate partnerships and property investments, reflecting her transformation from a young receptionist into one of Kenya’s recognised media entrepreneurs.