This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
BY THE BOOK: Karang’ae Chege ¶
Published on September 18, 2019
Karang’ae Chege is a renowned author with a diverse portfolio of works. His first published piece was a Kiswahili poem titled Kibuyu Changu, which showcased his talent for creative writing.
He has also made a name for himself in the world of playwriting, with his play Vita vya Panzi winning the Okoth Kobonyo play writers’ competition in the late 1990s. The play was staged in various theatres in Nairobi, further cementing his reputation as a skilled playwright.
Aside from his work in playwriting, Chege has also written for KBC Radio theatre and has done voice-overs for several years. His writing career has been marked by a wide range of creative endeavors, from poetry to playwriting and radio drama.
When asked about his favorite books, Chege mentioned Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, The Cockroach Dance by Meja Mwangi, and The Basic Principles of the Science of Mind by Dr. Frederick Bailed. He praised these books for their unique perspectives and the way they capture the human experience.
As an author, Chege has a keen interest in spirituality and new age literature. He believes that these books have the power to raise one's consciousness and broaden one's understanding of the world. Despite his love for spirituality books, Chege's primary focus is on writing children's fiction, which he finds to be a rewarding and creative outlet.
With a collection of over a thousand physical books and an equal number of e-books, Chege is a voracious reader who is always on the lookout for new titles to add to his collection. He has inherited some of his physical books from his late father, Peter Chege, a long-serving teacher and headmaster who shared his love for reading.
When asked about his favorite books, Chege mentioned The Quantum Matrix by Adrian Cooper and Our Ultimate Reality by Adrian Cooper. He praised these books for their authentic and scientific answers to life's biggest questions.
As a writer, Chege is drawn to characters who shine in their calling, and he would be Majuto in his storybooks, Safari ya Mabwe and Gaidi Lii. He admires children who are confident and determined, and he believes that these qualities are essential for success in any field.
When asked about his thoughts on the reading culture of Kenyans, Chege noted that despite the many distractions from devices, people still read books. He believes that reading is a vital part of a healthy and compassionate lifestyle, and he encourages others to make reading a priority.
As for e-books versus hard copies, Chege prefers both formats. He enjoys the tactile experience of holding a physical book, but he also appreciates the convenience of e-books, which can be easily accessed and stored on a device.
When asked about his last read, Chege mentioned The Utopian Fiasco by Wainaina Kamau and Mombasa Raha My Foot by Haroun Risa. He praised these books for their vivid portrayal of the current social landscape and their optimistic vision for the future.
As for his advice to aspiring authors, Chege urged them to remember that they have the power to slay ignorance and injustice through their writing. He encouraged them to use their talents wisely and to apply their writing skills with skill and dedication.
