Publishing Pioneer Dr. Henry Chakava is Dead: East African Educational Publishers Mourns the Loss of Founder
Renowned publisher Henry Chakava, recognized as the key figure in the establishment of the publishing industry in Kenya and Africa, has passed away, as confirmed by his family. The demise occurred at 5 am on Friday at a Nairobi hospital.
Dr. Chakava is credited with transforming a publishing landscape once dominated by foreigners. His contributions include fostering the careers of literary luminaries such as Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Grace Ogot, Francis Imbuga, John Kiriamiti, Meja Mwangi, Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye (all hailing from Kenya), Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi (Nigeria), Taban lo Liyong (South Sudan), Okot P’Bitek, John Ruganda (Uganda), David Rubadiri (Malawi), and Peter Abrahams (South Africa), among others.
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The Africa Writers Series, under his leadership, achieved unparalleled success, producing numerous literary classics and maintaining a reputation for exceptional quality.
In a statement, Kiarie Kamau, Managing Director of East African Educational Publishers Limited, expressed deep shock and sadness, announcing the passing of Dr. Henry Chakava. “Dr. Chakava, its founder and chairman, passed away on the morning of 8th March 2024 at 5:00 am while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital,” he conveyed.
One of Dr. Chakava’s significant accomplishments was overseeing the acquisition of the British multinational Heinemann (East Africa) and subsequently rebranding it as East African Educational Publishers.
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Publishing Pioneer Dr. Henry Chakava is Dead: East African Educational Publishers Mourns the Loss of Founder
