Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Like most people, I have a bucket list to explore my motherland. This can explain why I was so happy to meet Wairimu Mwangi, a young African leader, a successful author and who has a heart for children.
You are a very successful author, could you please take us through your journey?
I was born and bred in Narumoru on the Slopes of Mt. Kenya. It was very beautiful, green and very cold. You would wake up in the morning and the water you left in the bucket last night was frozen.
My family was very supportive of my education and they encouraged my love of reading by buying me books. My favorites were Readers Digests, The Concubine, The dictionary and old newspapers that I would enjoy reading in the pit latrine. I think my sense of smell always froze because I would squat for hours deeply engrossed in my reading.
At school, English was my favorite subject. I loved my English teacher, Mrs. Mucheni who used to encourage my composition writing and would always encourage me to read my work to the rest of the class. She would ask me how I learned such good English beyond class lessons. At that point, I had no idea but would later learn that my love for reading was shaping me as a great writer.
In class five, I remember my parents bought me Mutahi Muriichu’s book- Writing School Compositions which changed my life. I read it hundreds of time to a point I think I knew it word for word.
In high school, I continued with my writing and when I was in form two, I wrote my first ever book, Disability is not Inability. I asked my parents to connect me to Mutahi because his book was my inspiration as a writer since childhood. Unfortunately, we could not trace him. My parents assured me that they would keep looking.
I completed high school and one of the best gifts that I have ever received was my parents telling me that they had finally traced Mutahi and he had invited us to his house. It was an added advantage that he also lived in Nyeri County. I carried my book and gave it to him and asked him if he could be my mentor to which he agreed.
He taught me how publishing of books works and connected me to Jomo Kenyatta Publishers. My book was published after three years. In 2008, Longhor publishers had a competition for writers on HIV Aids. I wrote a book, Nafula’s Mother which won and got approved to be read in primary schools in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
In 2012, I approached E.A Educational Publishers with an idea of how to translate science subjects in to stories. I figured the reason why I failed in science subjects is because they lacked creativity in how they were taught. My pitch was accepted and was granted permission to begin with a pilot targeting class 5. I wrote three books (The Necklace beads, Binaisa and his Friends, and Bogere and his unhealthy friends) which were approved to be used in the school curriculum in Uganda.
I am very shy when it comes to telling my story. However, I have learnt that it is important because you never know what comes out of it or who you inspire. In 2015, I was approached by a journalist who upon hearing my story wanted to do my profile.
After he did my feature, Danny Adendorff from the UK who had read the story contacted me via facebook. His reason was that he was tired of hearing fellow European African experiences and was very happy to read an inspiring story of an African. He owns a publishing Company, WDA Publishing.
When I told him about my novel manuscript which had been rejected locally, he asked to read it. I was ecstatic when he agreed to publish it and he did it in a few weeks. My novel, Sweet Sorrow is now available on Amazon and other online platforms and you can buy both print and soft copy.
I am currently writing poems on tropical issues like disability, diseases etc and submitting them to magazines.
You studied Journalism, How did this contribute to your career as an author?
After graduating from college, I got to intern at Kenya News Agency as a photo journalist in the PR department of the Ministry of Transport. After two years, I quit. I wasn’t satisfied and felt like I was in a bubble and the world was moving so fast while the bubble just bubbled in one place!
I think it’s important to know when to quit and when to move on. For me, quitting was the best decision ever. I was now able to concentrate on my writing and on founding my organization, Literature Africa Foundation.
My organization aims at creating sustainable communities by eliminating the gap between education and employment through creating, nurturing, inspiring and promoting a reading culture in Kenya. We have mentored students in several schools including, Gatarwa Girls high school- my former school, St. Georges (Nyeri) and Gatura girls. We offer life skills in primary schools through storytelling and community reading sessions.
We are currently running a campaign for books through a book drive and would urge book lovers to join us or help in the various ways that they can.
My journey has contributed to my being a mentor with the Equity Group Foundation (Wings to fly program), a mentor with the Scholars Education and I am a mentor to a Strathmore School mentee program through the Global Give Circle program.
You made it to YALI, how was that for you?
I had an amazing time at YALI. I could not believe that I was part of President Obama’s prestigious program. You know the way you think you are smart then you are put in a room with tens of other smart people if not smarter? I enjoyed the journey, made great connections and had my paradigms about Africa shifted. I am working on partnerships created at the center.
It was also not easy by the way because I am a mum to a 3 and a 6 year old and a wife. Leaving them behind wasn’t easy. I thank God for my husband who is very supportive and is always pushing me to be the very best. He is my number one fan and cheerleader.
What’s your advice to the Youth?
I have had challenges especially being a woman and in her twenties. My small body doesn’t help when I am called for some pitch meetings in high profile places and people ask me if I am really the one and you can see some doubt in their eyes. I therefore advice the youth to wake up, follow your passion and it will change lives and feed you as well.
Patience has worked for me. For example, my book was published after three years but thank God my mentor had warned me prior. Get out there, find a mentor who is successful in what you are aiming to do and be patient. Do not expect microwave results. Dream big. If your dreams do not scare you, then they are not good enough. Aim to change the status quo and be persistent.
I always put God first in all I do and so should you. Can I mention that I do not take no for an answer? (She laughs). I believe in knocking the door, if it does not open then try to break it, if that fails enter through the roof or chimney and if you still get a no, then it’s time to move on to the next door.
What do you do for fun?
I love watching TV with my kids on Saturday mornings. It’s family our ritual. Dancing makes me happy. You should see me drop it like its hot albeit I am not a very good dancer but who cares right? Life is for the living. Cartoons, reading, reading and some more reading.
Favorite Food
If there’s any regular fight we had with my mom was on food. I am a very picky eater. If I could do without food imagine I would. (sighs) Hopefully none of my kids pick after me.
Ten years from now?
My goal is to empower and transform as many lives as possible through my organization. The reading culture in Kenya must improve and especially in the rural areas.
