Munira Hussein
| Munira Hussein | |
|---|---|
 Munira 2022.jpg Munira in Morocco 2022 | |
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | Kenyan |
| 🏫 Education | BSc Microbiology |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Kenyatta University |
| 💼 Occupation | Author, writer, editor |
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]
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
Hussein's writing typically explores social issues, personal identity, and the experience of growing up in Northern Kenya, blending emotional depth with sharp observation of societal norms.[2][7]
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]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "About Munira Hussein". MuniraHussein.com. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Kasaine, Lesalon (2021-10-18). "Unfit for Society: Munira Hussein's book inspired by stories of Marsabit is our book of the month". Qazini. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ruthi, William (2018-08-15). "Young writer pours heart out in book". Daily Nation. Nation Media Group. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Munira Hussein". The Shipman Agency. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ "Book Review: Unfit for Society". The Star. 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ "Concordia professors bring literary workshops to Kenya to support up-and-coming writers". Concordia University News. Concordia University. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ↑ Maina, Wanjiku (2018-12-31). "By the Book: Munira Hussein". Daily Nation. Nation Media Group. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
External links
Official website: https://www.munirahussein.com
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