Among the many things that make Kenya famous is the country's wealth of world-class authors. These writers have produced immense works with positive reviews, and they continue to shine the light on notable literary works from Kenya.
The list of the most popular Kenyan authors is not complete without mentioning Ngugi wa Thiong'o, an icon of African literature. He is known for his forthright opinions on publishing, language, and writing. Ngugi's first book was Weep Not Child detailing the effects of the Mau Mau war and criticism of colonial oppression.
He writes in Kiswahili and his Native Kikuyu languages. He is outspoken and unafraid to take on the authorities and the Western media, which is why he is one of the most popular Kenyan authors.
She is the founding member of the Writer's Association of Kenya and the first female author to be published in English. Her first novel was The Promised Land. As one of the pioneers and most popular Kenyan authors, Grace Ogot's works include Land Without Thunder, The Island of Tears, and The Other Woman.
When it comes to storytelling prowess, Dr Mukoma Ngugi earns a spot on the list of the most popular Kenyan authors. He is widely known in the Western world and is an English Professor at Cornel University. Dr Ngugi has excellent writing skills and selects his themes carefully. This prolific Kenyan author created Mabati-Cornell Kiswahili Price, a platform that encourages more Africans to write and tell their stories. His Most popular works include Nairobi Heat, Hurling Words and Black Star Nairobi.
Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor finds herself in the list of the most popular Kenyan authors because of her award-winning works. Back in 2003, Adhiambo bagged the Caine Prize For African Writing for her Weight of Whispers story. The book talks about a Rwandan aristocrat who fled to Kenya during the 1994 genocide.
As one of the popular Kenyan authors, Yvonne Adhiambo has published many other works and is recognized for her cultural activism and conservationism.
Born in England in 1928, Marjorie Oludhe came to Kenya in 1954 for missionary work and settled in the country for the rest of her life. She is known for championing Kenyan literature. She earns her spot in the popular Kenyan authors lists, especially because of her work, Coming to Birth, which won the Sinclair Prize after its release.
