Poetry - A Window to the Soul

The writing of Poetry has deep roots in East African societies. Sadly, some see it as the preserve for literary gourmets and a genre not to be promoted widely in the school system. Poetry should also be viewed as an expression of the heart and a window to the soul. It is a work of art, a written language form revealing the true nature of the human experience.

One of Kenya's finest poets is Ezekiel Alembi. He wrote 'Understanding Poetry' (1999), designed to demystify poetry and bring it more into the mainstream of literature. He grew up in Vihiga, completed secondary school in Kakamega and later his university studies led him to Kenyatta University. In his day, he was a writer and a great story teller. He wrote over 45 novels and biographies for young Kenyan readers. Most of these books contain moral messages showing young people fighting their way past immense challenges in life to achieve self respect and dignity. He died in January 2010 at the young age of 49.

There was a renewed spirit of poetic writing during the early days of Kenya becoming a nation. Among the more well known were Jonathan Kariara and Joseph Kariuki. Other Kenyan writers such as Waveney Olembo, have compiled anthologies to aid in the teaching of poetry. Her 'Words of Magic' for primary schools and 'The Music of Poetry' for high schools, were published in 1986.

Namulundah Florence was born in Bungoma, Kenya. Following studies at Kenyatta, Drexel, and Fordham Universities, she now serves as a Professor at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. Her two anthologies, 'From Our Mothers' Hearths' and 'The Bukusu of Kenya' contain collections of folktales and proverbs in a 'poetic style' that highlight her cultural heritage. Dr. Namulundah is an education consultant and associate of CES Canada.

Poetry is featured in the newly published (2020) 'Under the Acacia Tree'. CES Alumni Sheila Nasindu, Truphosa Omukangu and Elicah Wandera are gifted Kenyan writers who tell their stories through poetry. In 'Orphan Child's Lament' and 'Under the Mpundu Tree', Patricia Nyanchama Makori creates scenes of pathos and tragedy in describing the reality of HIV/Aids in Kenya.

Under the Acacia Tree Anthology is a collection of poems written over the last two decades. These all portray the beauty and pathos of Kenya, and are available in our new book, 'Under the Acacia Tree'. For more information and to obtain a copy of these poems, visit the Under The Acadia Tree Webpage.