Yasin Kakande | Journalist, Author & TED Global Fellow

Yasin Kakande is an international journalist, a TED Global Fellow, and the author of a number of critically acclaimed non-fiction books offering a fresh perspective on immigration and geopolitics, including Why We Are coming, and Slave States. As a migrant from Uganda now based in the US. following asylum, his journalism career spans international outlets including The New York Times, Thomson Reuters, Al Jazeera, The National, and The Boston Globe. Yasin, is fluent in English, Arabic and Swahili, has also had roles as a news producer and features writer in Dubai and Bahrain. He brings an extraordinarily insightful, fresh perspective to discussions on journalism, Africa, and migration. Yasin is also a sought-after source for interviews and conference speaking engagements, notably at the MIRR Alliance in New York City (2023) and the Human Rights Watch organisation (2022).

Enquiries

* Media Comment, Expert Opinion & Interviews

Yasin Kakande is available for expert media commentary, insights, opinion, and interviews through The Double Agents. With a background encompassing African imperialism, plunder, and governance challenges, Yasin offers nuanced perspectives on these complex issues. His focus on African migrations, coupled with his personal journey as a migrant and asylum seeker, uniquely positions him to provide deep insights into the challenges faced by displaced people and the impact of diverse migration patterns. As a seasoned journalist specialising in Africa and migration, Yasin brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to discussions surrounding journalism ethics, diversity, and the experiences of displaced populations. His fluency in English, Arabic, and Swahili enhances his ability to engage with diverse audiences and contribute valuable perspectives on these critical topics.

* Charity Ambassadorships & Fundraising and Promotional Activities

Yasin is open to supporting domestic and international charities that align with his background and expertise through ambassadorships and amplification of their campaigns. He has substantial knowledge and first-person understanding of African migration and displacement issues, and of the impact of imperialism and governance challenges in Africa. Yasin is committed to advancing causes related to displaced populations and social justice. As a respected journalist and author, he brings credibility and a platform for marketing and PR initiatives, helping charities effectively communicate their mission and engage with diverse audiences. Yasin's fluency in English, Arabic, and Swahili further enhances his ability to connect with global communities and advocate for meaningful change, making him a valuable partner for charities seeking to make a positive impact in these areas.

* Public Speaking Engagements

Yasin is available for a variety of in-person and virtual speaking engagements. Contact The Double Agents for talent enquiries and rate cards.

About

Yasin Kakande is an author and international journalist. A native of Uganda, he gained asylum in the US after fleeing the UAE where he had worked as a Middle East journalist for more than a decade on The National and The Khaleej Times, and as news producer for City 7 TV in Dubai, assistant editor of the Bahrain Tribune, and online editor of The Peninsula Newspaper in Qatar.

He has also contributed to prominent international outlets including Thomson Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times.

Yasin’s notable works include three books—”Why We Are Coming” (2020), “Slave States” (2015), and “The Ambitious Struggle” (2013)—which shed light on the mistreatment of Middle East migrant workers and the historical context of global mass migration, including slavery and colonisation.

Yasin’s expertise has made him a sought-after commentator, leading to speaking engagements at events such as the MIRR Alliance in New York City (2023) and with organizations like Human Rights Watch (2022).

Yasin holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston and completed his Bachelor of Mass Communication at Makerere University Kampala. He is also a graduate of the MFA in Creative Writing program at Emerson College.

Fluent in English, Arabic, and Swahili, he brings a multicultural and multilingual perspective to his work, focusing on African issues and the complexities of migration. As a TED Global Fellow, Yasin continues to advocate for human rights and social justice through his writing and activism.

He is currently working on a series of fiction novels, with his first – ‘A Murder of Hate’ – set for publication in late 2024.

Further Information:

Personal Website – Blackwritersink.com

X – @yasikak