IHRAM African Literary Influencer in a candid conversation with prolific Kenyan Writer and Educationist Eliud Kithi

MC: Who is Eliud Kithi  and how long have you been writing?

Eliud  Kithi: Eliud  Kithi is a Kenyan native from the coastal city of Mombasa. I was born and raised in a village along the Kenyan coastal strip; Kilifi County to be precise.  I am a versatile teacher of English and Literature. I graduated from Mount Kenya University with Bachelor of Education Arts(English/Literature.) I also pursued  two Diplomas in Theology and  Biblical Studies respectively at KAN College of Professional Studies.
Currently, I am an intern with the Teachers' Service Commission(TSC) at M'bwana Junior Secondary School(hopping for employment in the near future) I am a gifted public speaker on different forums such religious teachings and  on other platforms.  I speak on social issues such as parenthood. I am a seasoned teacher, a writer and a gospel singer who  enjoys singing and recording deep worship songs. I have been writing since my High School days that is way back in 2000, nonetheless I didn't publish my works until 2022 when I released my debut Christian treatises; "The Attitude of Gratitude and  Seeing Beyond The Normal."

MC: How many books or stories have you published so far and how are they received in your country?
Eliud  Kithi: By the grace of God, I have so far published at least three books dubbed "The Attitude of Gratitude, "Seeing Beyond The Normal" and The Priesthood of Parenthood." Much of my writing however hasn't yet been published and printed due to insufficient funds for production. Currently, I am working on an anthology of Poems and a novel for young readers. For the few years of my writing engagements, I have received a positive response from my audience and I'm optimistic for greater achievements in the nearest future.

MC: What are your literary thematic areas?
Eliud  Kithi: In most of my writings I engage on themes such as; Poverty and despondency, Corruption and bad governance, Social Justice, Morality, Environment and Climatic Change, Religious Hypocrisy, Culture and Traditions, Love, Politics, education and other contemporary and emerging issues.

MC: Are you a multi-genre writer or do you only write short stories?
Eliud  Kithi: Indeed I am multi-genre writer. My writing ranges from Poetry, short stories(fiction) and novels. Hopping to write plays(on this though I need intercession,hahaha!)

MC: How is the book industry in your country?
Eliud  Kithi: The book industry in Kenya is not a walk in the park per se. It's an uphill task and not for the fainthearted. There has been been a lot of exploitation for young and upcoming writers nonetheless with the mushrooming of the small scale publishers we manage to do self-publishing.

MC: Do you write anything on racial equity, social justice, gender rights and other human rights?
Eliud  Kithi: Yes, I do. I have written on racial equity, social justice and human rights particularly the rights of the girl child. My poem "The Plight" which came in the third runner up in the IHRAM dealt with social justice, and the suffering of the girl child in Africa. I have to confess that Justice and equity are my core areas. I regard myself as an activist through the pen.

MC: How are writers and artists appreciated or treated in your country?
Eliud  Kithi: Writers are a forgotten lot. Musicians, singers and other sports personalities are given a tremendous recognition unlike writers. There isn't much done to promote writing as a career. I have witnessed government officials engaging other artists and sports people but writers enjoy their hey hoos.

MC: Do you have spaces that promote creativity, literary arts, books and writing in your country?
Eliud  Kithi: In my two cents know how, the spaces that promote creativity,literary arts, books and writing in Kenya are passive. Apart from the social media platforms, other media houses haven't done much to enhance literary arts. There are just a few book fairs and the book launchings are poorly attended.

MC: Have you ever attended literature festivals, fellowship programmes and bookfairs, how has been your experience?
Eliud  Kithi: I have ever attended literature fellowship programs but mostly the ones organized by teachers of English. The interaction with like minded folks is a great experience by itself.  However, I have never attended a book fair. I won't decline if I get invited to one in my neighborhood.

MC: How many awards / accolades have you received since you began literary arts activism and writing?
Eliud  Kithi: I'd say two though the first one which happened in my High School days was more of a meagre accolade. I participated in a national essay contest and got an album of photos of celebrities and upon completion of my High School I was the best in English and Literature in my district. For that I got an award(blanket and bedsheets, hahaha!). The second accolade came by last year when I was the third runners up in the IHRAM Poetry Contest. For that I am grateful. Hopping for more in the future.

Eliud Kithi is a Kenyan native from the coastal city of Mombasa. He’s a versatile teacher of English and Literature. He graduated from Mount Kenya University with Bachelor of Education Arts (English/Literature.) He has authored Books such as; Seeing Beyond the Normal, The Priesthood of Parenthood, Attitude of Gratitude, The Fragrance of My Worship and Accessing Divine Help.  He is also a passionate poet and a novelist (yet to publish). He participated and won in the IHRAM SADC Poetry award, Third Prize. Eliud is a gifted public speaker and a singer Currently teaching in Kenya. Reach him through (+254723172562 or email; elikith1993@gmail.com)