Njeri Wangari’s new book for children My Colouring Book of Rhymes launched in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Njeri Wangari first came to our attention when she was dazzling with her poetry stages at the monthly Kwani Open Mic in the mid-2000s. She was also an archivist of the era giving news and reviews of the arts scene in Nairobi with Kenyanpoet.com which led her to be universally known as “Kenyan Poet”.
At one point, she joined with Mike Kwambo, Leon Kiptum, Dennis Inkwa, and Grandmaster Masese (may he rest in peace) to form the Mstari Wa Nne collective that blazed the trail for collective actions by poets and other artists in a fledgling arts space. Wangari went on to give us the highly regarded debut poetry collection Mines & Mind Fields: My Spoken Words published by Nsemia in 2010.
Since then, the Nairobi-based poet has become a communications specialist who frequently writes on Africa, technology, internet culture, and the arts. She is also a beloved storyteller, especially with her company Afrokidz Trust.
Her newest book My Colouring Book of Rhymes launched at the Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi on Saturday. The book with illustrations by Naomi Nyawira describes different animals that local children are likely to encounter like lions, birds, fish, and gorillas. The new title for children was presented with performances by among others John Titi Namai, Alumbe Hellen, and Ngwatilo Mawiyoo. The event was attended by family and friends who came with their friends.
You can find the book for your children at good stores near you.
Here are more images from the launch.
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