Kenyan veteran publisher Henry Chakava dies at 77

Founder and chairman of East African Educational Publishers Limited (EAEP) Henry Chakava is dead.

He died at the age of 77.

Announcing his demise in a statement, the EAEP board of management said the renowned veteran publisher died on Friday morning while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.

"It is with profound shock and sadness that the Board and Management of East African Educational Publishers Limited, in consultation with the family, wishes to announce the demise of its founder and Chairman, Dr. Henry Chakava," reads the statement.

He is widely regarded as the father of publishing in Kenya and Africa, having pioneered a publishing industry that was dominated by foreigners.

Chakava is associated with the publishing of iconic literary luminaries in Africa such as; Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Grace Ogot, Francis Imbuga, John Kiriamiti, Meja Mwangi and Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye.

Others include; Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi (Nigeria), Taban lo Liyong (South Sudan), Okot P'Bitek, John Ruganda (Uganda), David Rubadiri (Malawi), Peter Abrahams (South Africa), among many others.

Chakava was born in Vokoli in Vihiga county.

Career

He began his career after completing his studies in literature and philosophy in 1972.

He was an editor and subsequently chief editor in Nairobi of the international publishing house Heinemann Educational Publishers.

Kenyans at large have commemorated his death remembering him as a true pioneer and visionary in the Kenya book publishing industry.

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Hamisi said Chakava's contributions have not only shaped the literary landscape of Kenya but have also inspired countless individuals in the field of publishing and literature.

"He will always be remembered as a trailblazer, someone who believed in the power of words to educate, inspire, and transform lives. His dedication to promoting African literature and nurturing local talent has left an indelible mark on the industry," Hamisi said.

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua said he will remember Chakava as his former chairman at the Kenya Copyright Board where he was the director.

"Saddened by the news of the passing on of Dr Henry Chakava, a distinguished publisher and my former chairman at the Kenya Copyright Board where I was a director for seven years. May his soul rest in peace and may God give peace and comfort to the family," Mutua said.