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Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
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Shifting Sands
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Shifting Sands is a gripping narration by Kemunto aka Kemu” to her three girlfriends, all of different cultural heritage. Kemu aspires to be a writer but life with its vicissitudes doesn’t make her dream an easy one. We follow the four young girls as they mature in this adventure, growing up and facing the world. Their encounters, surprises and cultural intricacies make for good reading.
Their intertwined lives from a young age, and their different cultural backgrounds and upbringing offer interesting insights. Kemu and Myra are Kenyan Africans while Shilpa is third-generation Kenyan-Indian and Latifah is third-generation Kenyan-Arab. The latter two face questions of nationality all the time, despite that their families have been in the country for generations.
Shifting Sands is an intriguing tale of enduring encounters of living a moral and ethical life, placing its own challenges on friendships cemented from early childhood and school. How will the four ladies’ friendship survive?
Shifting Sand’s various strands of narratives are compelling and herald the coming of age of a gifted and talented writer who brings women and children experiences hauntingly to life. In this tale we get contrasting insights of issues that impact women, children and relationships. Tradition and cultural practices of old are challenged in the face of modernity while age-old wisdom, like that from Kemu’s grandmother (Magokoro) and father, appear immutable.
What Others Say
“Mombasa, a tapestry city where east meets west and north meets south, is the metonymy that gives Moraa Gitaa the opportunity to indict archaic cultural beliefs, government authorities, extremism, the suppression of women, and a whole slew of questionable practices in modern Kenya. Kemunto’s voice is that of the archetypal, dignified and upright woman everywhere in the developing world, not just that of the African woman. Quite well said.” – Charles Phebih-Agyekum, author and book editor.
“Shifting Sands is a powerful, compelling and gripping narrative employing a mature mastery of the English language that leaves the reader yearning for more.” – Excerpt from judges’ comments, 2008 National Book Development Council of Kenya Literary Awards.
“Moraa Gitaa’s Shifting Sands will add value to the national discourse on gender discrimination, inter-generational tensions, socioeconomic marginalization, HIV and AIDS, the injustices suffered by the poor in this country, corruption, transnational and global connections and their impact on the lives of Kenyans and other nationals residing in the country.” – Comparative Literature Lecturer at a Kenyan university.
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Enyangi y’Ebitinge
Traditional Wedding in Gusii (Enyangi y'Ebitinge), published posthumously, documents the process of old-style marriage in Gusii and related steps, culminating in a wedding ceremony. The process was meticulous and made of a series of steps, each with a very clear purpose and intended not just for the couple but also for their families and clans.
Abagusii attached a lot of value to marriage. It was a major landmark in the 'growing up' of a man or woman in that society. Marriage marked the transition from the care of one's parents to being independent and taking care of oneself and one's family. That transition was possible only after marriage.
The importance of marriage and the honour it was accorded is underlined by the respect that was given to a married woman. For example, if she found herself late in getting home someone, that person had an obligation to ensure that she got to her home safely; after all, she was a mother and her progeny would be the link to the future.
The book is a flashback to when family and relationships were valued and were at the core of order and success in society. It is especially informative today, especially when modern generations do not appear to associate as much importance to wedlock as it was in the past.
Ann and the Pen
Experiences of Women Students with Disabilities in Kenyan Universities: Disability in Society, Gender and & Higher Education Challenges
This work is a systematic analysis of the subject of disability and society as encountered in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Experiences of women students with disabilities in Kenyan universities demonstrates that marginalization of people with disabilities is an insidious reality in virtually all societies. Across Africa, dialogue on discrimination against individuals with disability has for a long time been silenced resulting into minimal participation and representation of this population in the political, social, cultural, and economic and development initiatives in the continent. Only a few texts have examined the question of disability and the status of people with disabilities in Africa and more so, with reference to gender and higher education. Filing this gap, this book discusses the experiences of women students with disabilities in university education in Kenya. It analyzes the challenges these women face and how they deal with those challenges. There is evidence of ableim in Kenyan higher education institutions and in the society as a whole. Individuals, government and societal institutions should work together to address ableism and promote an inclusive society.
What others say
Disability is not inability. This cutting edge text reveals that although women students with disabilities in Kenyan universities face numerous challenges, they are determined to succeed. The desire to lead a better life is the glue that gives these women the determination to challenge their subjugated positions in society. This book provides important recommendations for policy, practice and research which Kenya and other African nations can learn from to change things for the better. It is an important and timely read to be enjoyed by everyone. - Chris Atuti, Toronto, Canada.
This book brings us in touch with the lives of women, and their struggles, so as to inspire the collective need to address disability in more thought-provoking ways. Skillfully, Bathseba depicts the complexity of living with disability through her ethnographic account of twenty women students in Kenyan universities. Through this unique research and analysis, the reader comes to know that every experience of disability needs to be understood as a fully social, political, and historical, not to mention valid, way of being-in-the-world. Bathseba has produced a book that is a must read for anyone interested in exploring education as it is interwoven with the meanings of race, gender, class and disability in and through the Kenyan context - Dr. Tanya Titchkosky Associate Professor, Associate Chair, and Graduate Coordinator, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
This book is an outstanding sociological exploration of gender, disability and higher education in the African context. The women's stories come alive in this brilliant and sensitive interpretation of challenges and accomplishments of women students with disabilities in Kenyan universities. By giving voice to those who are rarely heard, Bathseba contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the student experience. - . Sandra Acker, Professor Emeritus, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
Voices
n the small town of Soghor in Nyanza, Kenya, there exists a myth dating back to colonial times. It relates to people, termed kachinja, who were rumoured to prowl the area, arresting passers-by and tapping their blood. Supposedly, Songhor survived this way throughout the colonial period and into Kenya’s independence.
Following emancipation, the White Highlands reverted to the indigenous population, and a settlement for the Luo, Kalenjin and Kisii communities. Folklore has it that people routinely dashed for the bushes whenever they saw a red car approaching. Its white owner is said to have used the car to transport captured Africans for slaughter. The man lived near the Songhor Museum Site that was founded by two white men in 1932, and gazetted in 1981. Two African families in nearby Tamu and Muhoroni are rumoured to have been complicit, acting as ‘catchers’ of Africans.
At the white man’s homestead, the main house had a bunker-like hole with a small door, and a grilled opening. Keen observations lead to curious revelations.
This is a fictionalized account based on a long-held myth. It is meant for enjoyment.
Kivuli cha Sakawa
Kivuli cha Sakawa (Sakawa's Ghost) , written in Kiswahili, the major lingua franca in the East African region, is a story about one of Africa's legendary heroes who was at the forefront in the battle against colonialism and its evils. Legend has it that he was a seer and that many of his predictions have come to pass.
In this this story, Sakawa finds himself at crossroads following the death of his father, a prominent leader in his own right. Conservative elders in his community who feel threatened by this youngster destined to be a great leader fight him tooth and nail to subdue his shinning star. Will they succeed?
Sakawa Ng'iti indeed existed and lived among the Abagusii community in western Kenya at the turn of 19th Century (1800). The unfolding episode in this book did indeed take place, although probably in slightly a different way. By chronicling this episode, the author gives the story a new lease of artistic life and offers opportunity for others to comments and/or offer versions of the story as they understand it.
Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
Giorgio thought that a sojourn to Kenya's coast was the perfect way to kick back and relax, luxuriate in the sun, scuba-dive, take big-game fishing trips or a dhow cruise, but it turns out to be a break filled with mixed fortunes. On the other hand, Lavina's sabbatical for soul-searching in Malindi turns out to be a Herculean task of grappling with a moral dilemma of epic proportions. When their paths cross and their lives become intertwined, their emotionally charged struggle to connect with each other is challenging and turbulent.
This story deals with various socioeconomic issues ranging from the institution of marriage and multi-racial relationships, to amazing Kenyan art & culture, to historical land injustices brought about by the pre-nineteenth century, 99 year old colonial crown land leases, absentee landlords, and the long overdue land reform agenda on land tenures, the cause of many a conflict in the country.
The first scene opens on the Kenyan coast with captivating miles of pristine sandy white beaches, lapped by clear turquoise waters, providing the backdrop for your typical tropical beach holiday, but gets marred with a near-tragedy.
Here is a compelling and descriptive narrative that will pull at your heartstrings, but one that offers a message of hope to a moral dilemma that has bedeviled the world.
Here is what others say about this work:
From an an author clearly proud of her heritage and the beauty of her country comes a romantic tale set in Kenya. Featuring a jaw-achingly handsome Italian man and a beautiful, talented, but troubled local girl, the romance unfolds in a light teasing manner until the twist in the tale turns out to be a moral dilemma that would test the strength of any relationship. - Muthoni Garland - Kenyan writer nominated and short-listed for Caine Prize 2006, winner of Absinthe Literary Review 2003, and Founder of Story Moja, a new publishing initiative in Kenya
Moraa Gitaa writes with a crisp, clean style that will engage the reader from the first paragraph forward. A ground-breaking novel from a modern 'This Generation' African woman. A fine example of expressive writing that women around the world will find both inspiring and insightful. You'll turn page after page. - Rod Amis, Publisher & Editor G21 The World's Magazine
In delicious detail and with revolutionary zeal, Moraa tells a story of fierce passion, challenging tradition and breaking taboo. She weaves a surprising symphony. Fabulous! - John Mwazemba, Publishing Manager, Macmillan (Kenya) Publishers
Vigorous, with a surprise at every turn. This one will capture you alive! - Bruce L. Cook, Author-me.com
Moraa’s keen hand represents her generation’s challenges, hopes and dreams. She presents the reader with an intriguing, lyrical tale where lies a complex and breathtaking story of modern Kenya as shaped by politics, global interconnectedness, and the stirrings of hearts motivated by private sorrows, personal commitments, and high ideals. - Dr. Wambui Githiora-Updike, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Author of Wanjira.
A remarkable tale of love that keeps you turning the pages deep into the night. As you close the last page, you are, without choice, left with the burning question: How do I live my life? - Onduko bw'Atebe, Kenyan Author, his debut novel The Verdict of Death won first prize in the inaugural Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize (Kenya) 2006
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