There’s a special joy that comes from holding a book in your hands — especially one that tells stories close to home. Few authors have captured the heart of African life like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. His works paint the beauty, struggles, and resilience of African communities, and here at Kuza International School, we celebrate this literary giant and encourage a culture of reading among our learners and families.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s books are more than just stories — they are mirrors reflecting who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we are going. His words have shaped minds, challenged systems, and introduced the world to the richness of African tradition and storytelling.

Books like The River Between whisk us away to the hills of Kenya, where two villages are torn between embracing change or holding onto the old ways. Through the character of Waiyaki, Ngũgĩ explores the struggle of leadership, love, and standing firm in the face of division. It’s a story that still speaks powerfully today about unity, culture, and identity.

Then there’s Weep Not, Child, his first published novel. It tells the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of Njoroge, a young boy longing for education amidst the chaos of colonial Kenya. This novel reminds us how powerful hope is — especially through the eyes of a child — even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

And who can forget I Will Marry When I Want? A brave, sharp play that exposes greed, class struggle, and the spirit of ordinary Kenyans refusing to be silenced. The honesty and courage in this work are unmatched, making it both entertaining and eye-opening.

But this celebration isn’t just about Ngũgĩ’s incredible contribution to African literature — it’s about the future of reading. At Kuza International School, we believe that teaching children to read isn’t only about passing exams; it’s about helping them discover who they are. Books open up new worlds, new ideas, and new dreams. They build language, strengthen critical thinking, and create a lifelong love for learning.

Parents, we urge you to be part of this journey. Set aside time to read with your children. Let them see you reading. Let the stories of Africa shape their thinking, values, and identity.

Ngũgĩ’s books have stood the test of time. Let’s keep their words alive by reading, sharing, and passing on the stories to the next generation.

Let’s raise readers who know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going.

comment below on the the book you have read lately.

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