Munira Hussein
Kenyan writer and author
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Munira Hussein, also known as The Contemporary Nomad, is a Kenyan writer, author, and editor.[1][2] She is known for fiction, poetry, short story collections, and contributions to academic literature used in East African schools.[2] Her work often explores themes related to society, identity, and the human experience.[2][3]
Munira Hussein | |
|---|---|
Munira in Morocco 2022 | |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Education | BSc Microbiology |
| Alma mater | Kenyatta University |
| Occupations | Author, writer, editor |
Early Life and education
Hussein was born in Marsabit County in Northern Kenya.[4] She grew up in a culturally diverse and conservative environment, which later influenced her writing.[2] She pursued a Bachelor of Science in microbiology at Kenyatta University before transitioning into full-time writing and literary work.[1]
Career
Hussein began her creative journey by writing at a young age, beginning with a 200-page handwritten book during her final year in high school.[3]
She has published multiple works spanning short stories, poetry, and educational texts. Her books include Unfit for Society, A Curve of Darkness, Highland Cactus, and Powder in the Wind. Some of her academic and literary works are used in primary and secondary schools across East Africa.[4]
Her short story Powder in the Wind was shortlisted for the African Writers Award in 2018, and she was also shortlisted for the Writing Gender Residency Award by Huza Press and the Goethe-Institut Kigali in 2021.[4] She has also been awarded fellowships including the International Literary Seminars Fellowship (2022).[4]
Hussein also works as an editor, speaker, and advocate for literature, often emphasising the power of storytelling for cultural reflection and structural transformation.[5] In 2023, Hussein alongside Gladwell Pamba and Dennis Mugaa won a manuscript contest put together by Concordia University as part of the International Literary Seminars (ILS) Kenya.[6]
Themes and style
Selected Literary works
- Seeing Our Sisters (co-authored anthology, 2024)
- Highland Cactus (c. 2022–2023)
- When a Stranger Called (2020)
- A Curve of Darkness (2019)
- Unfit for Society (2018)
- Through the Journey of Hope (poetry anthology)
- Pace in Poetry (poetry anthology)
Educational publications
- English Literacy Grade 1
- English Literacy Grade 2
- English Literacy Grade 3[2]
Awards and recognition
- International Literary Seminars Fellowship (2022)
- Writing Gender Residency Award (shortlisted, 2021)
- African Writers Award (shortlisted, 2018)[4]