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Hanifa says Kibera is not a tourist attraction ahead of Speed’s visit
04th January, 2026 04:56 PM
Activist Hanifa Adan has stated that YouTube star IShowSpeed should not visit Kibera during his upcoming trip to Kenya, saying informal settlements should not be treated as tourist attractions or content opportunities.
In a statement on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Hanifa expressed concern over Kenyan content creators publicly debating what Speed should experience while in the country, noting that his team likely already has a clear itinerary.
“I’m pretty sure Speed and his team already have a clear plan for what they want to see and do in Kenya, so watching content creators fight on TikTok over what he should experience here is honestly funny,” she said.
Hanifa firmly rejected the idea of showcasing Kibera or other informal settlements for views, stressing that poverty should never be turned into entertainment.
“For the record, Kibera or any other informal settlement is not a tourist attraction. We should not, under any circumstances, turn poverty into content or parade people’s suffering for clicks.”
She added that Kenya has far more to offer the world than images of hardship, urging creators to promote positive, diverse narratives about the country.
“Kenya has so much more to offer than poverty porn, and that’s the story worth telling,” Hanifa said.
Trevor’s take
Her remarks come a day after content strategist Director Trevor has offered a detailed roadmap of culturally immersive, fun, and viral-ready activities that American streamer iShowSpeed should experience during his upcoming visit to Kenya.
In a post shared on Instagram on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as anticipation builds around the streamer’s Kenyan leg of the 28-day, multi-country African tour, Trevor outlined ten must-do experiences that he believes align perfectly with iShowSpeed’s energetic content style and interactive approach.
According to Trevor, iShowSpeed should start by racing Kenya’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, creating an unforgettable sporting moment that would resonate with both local and international audiences.
“As a content strategist who understands Speed’s content and brand concept, this is what I think he should do in Kenya: Race with Omanyala,” he wrote.
He further suggested that the streamer take part in a traditional Maasai welcome dance, immersing himself in one of Kenya’s most celebrated cultural rituals.
“Maasai traditional welcome dance,” he added.
Trevor also recommended that iShowSpeed engage with the country’s youth by participating in a TikTok challenge with children from Mathare.
Other experiences on Trevor’s list include tasting delicacies from roaming chefs across the country, trying the Isikuti dance, and experiencing the iconic Nganya matatu rides, activities that would not only entertain viewers but also provide a real glimpse into everyday Kenyan culture.
“TikTok challenge with Mathare kids, taste the roaming chef’s food, isikuti dance and Nganya (matatu) experience,” Trevor added.
