5 Popular Books about Kenya to Read this Season

Talking about literature across Africa, we needed to cover books from Kenya to close this series. We’ve done a complete review of books in Nigeria, South African Literature, award-winning books in Uganda, and many more. If you haven’t checked out our previous blogs, we suggest you do. But this one will entirely be about Kenya and its literature books.

Kenya is one of the most celebrated African countries with a diverse and vibrant tradition reflected in all their novels. Their literature continues to evolve and adapt to the changing socio-political landscape of the country. Additionally, Kenya has some of the most famous African authors of all time, like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Grace Ogot, and Meja Mwangi, to mention but a few.

So, if you are planning to travel to Kenya any time in the future or a lover of African literature, here are the five books about Kenya you should read this season:

Top 10 books about Kenya for a read

Many excellent books about Kenya cover many topics, including its history, culture, politics, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in fiction, non-fiction, or travel writing, here are some notable books about Kenya:

1. It’s Our Turn to Eat – by Michela Wrong

On our first list is “It’s Our Turn to Eat”, a book about the rise and fall of Kenya’s anti-corruption. It is a compelling and intelligent exploration of corruption, politics, and the struggle for accountability in Kenya. The book offers a gripping account of the high-stakes battle against corruption within Kenya’s government, focusing primarily on the controversial figure of John Githongo, a former government official turned whistleblower.

The title, “It’s Our Turn to Eat,” encapsulates the crux of the problem: the pervasive culture of corruption where those in power prioritize their interests and the accumulation of wealth over the nation’s welfare. Michela Wrong’s journalistic and investigative skills shine as she delves deep into the intricacies of the Kenyan political landscape and its shadowy underbelly.

2. One Day I Will Write About This Place – by Binyavanga Wainaina

Binyavanga’s book is a literary journey that will take you through different phases of his life, from childhood in Nakuru to his experiences as a student in South Africa and the United States. He interwove the narrative with nostalgia, humour, and a keen observer’s eye for life’s ordinary and extraordinary aspects.

One of the standout qualities of this memoir is Wainaina’s distinctive narrative voice. His lyrical and grounded prose enables readers to connect with the landscapes, people, and emotions he describes. He masterfully combines the personal with the political and cultural, making this memoir more than just an autobiography; it reflects the complexity of being African, Kenyan, and human.

3. When Stars Are Scattered – by Victoria Jamieson

This book is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells a powerful and touching story of the plight of refugees in a refugee camp in Kenya. Victoria Jamieson wrote it, co-authored with Omar Mohamed.

The novel follows the experiences of Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, who live in the Dadaab refugee camp, one of the largest such camps in the world. The story highlights their challenges, such as limited access to education and healthcare and the constant uncertainty of their future. Omar’s responsibility for Hassan and his unwavering commitment to providing for his younger brother form the narrative’s emotional core.

On the other hand, Victoria Jamieson did the artwork that complements the story perfectly, using warm colours and expressive character design to bring their environment to life. The illustrations convey the characters’ emotions with a depth that words alone could not achieve.

4. Leopard at the Door – by Jennifer McVeigh

“Leopard at the Door” by Jennifer McVeigh is a compelling historical novel that will transport you to the complex and tumultuous world of post-colonial Kenya in the 1950s. McVeigh’s narrative skillfully weaves a gripping story of love, family, political turmoil, and personal awakening.

The novel centres around the character of Rachel Fullsmith, who returns to Kenya after a long absence to reunite with her father and the land she once called home. Her arrival coincides with a Kenya in the throes of change as the Mau Mau Uprising against British colonial rule gathers momentum. This historical backdrop provides a rich and vivid setting for the story’s exploration of identity, cultural clash, and the impact of political conflict on individuals.

5. Circling the Sun – by Paula McLain

“Circling the Sun” by Paula McLain is a captivating historical novel that breathes life into the remarkable true story of Beryl Markham, an extraordinary woman whose adventurous spirit and determination defied the norms of her time. Set against the backdrop of colonial Kenya in the early 20th century, McLain’s novel masterfully blends history, romance, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the African landscape.

The novel traces Beryl’s life journey, from her unconventional upbringing as the daughter of British colonial settlers to her adult years as a horse trainer and aviator in Kenya. McLain’s vivid and evocative prose transports readers to a world of sweeping savannas, thrilling horse races, and daring flights, painting a vivid picture of Kenya on the cusp of significant change.

Conclusion

Those are some of the books about Kenya that could give you a clear picture of the diverse styles of Kenya literature. However, the list continues. If you have any other book you feel should have been made here, please leave it in the comment box. You can also contact us if you want your book featured in our weekly blogs.