Books Facing Mount Kenya Author: Jomo Kenyatta

Facing Mount Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta is a foundational work in African ethnography and political thought, written by one of Kenya’s most influential leaders and its first president. Originally published in 1938, the book presents a rich and detailed account of the Kikuyu people—their customs, social systems, spiritual beliefs, and communal values—through the lens of a native scholar deeply committed to cultural preservation and national liberation.

Kenyatta’s work is groundbreaking for several reasons:

It offers an insider’s perspective on Kikuyu traditions, countering colonial narratives that dismissed African societies as primitive.

It documents the impact of British colonialism, including land alienation, cultural disruption, and the erosion of indigenous governance.

It serves as a political manifesto, laying the intellectual groundwork for Kenya’s independence movement.

It affirms the dignity and complexity of African civilizations, challenging Western assumptions and advocating for self-determination.

Written with clarity, passion, and scholarly rigor, Facing Mount Kenya remains a vital resource for understanding Kenya’s cultural heritage and the broader African experience under colonial rule. The book’s cover—featuring Mount Kenya, a traditional Kikuyu warrior, and a radiant sunset—symbolizes the convergence of history, identity, and resistance.

For Kenyan readers, educators, and cultural historians, this book is more than a study—it’s a declaration of pride, a call to remembrance, and a cornerstone of national consciousness.