Chris Lukorito Wanjala
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikitia's general notability guideline. |
Prof. Chris Lukorito Wanjala.(PhD) | |
|---|---|
| Add a Photo | |
| Born | April 4, 1944 |
| Died | October 15, 2018 (aged 74) |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Occupation |
|
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Wanjala and Ruth Wanjala |
Chris Wanjala was a Kenyan literary scholar, educator, and cultural historian. He was best known for his contributions to African literature studies, his work in promoting Kenyan oral traditions, and his role as a professor in leading Kenyan universities. Wanjala was also a recipient of the Elder of Burning spear (EBS), Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya one of Kenya’s highest state honors that was awarded to him by the late President Mwai Kibaki
Early life and primary education
Chris Lukorito Wanjala Nyongesa was born in 1944 to Temeteto Lukorito and Ayasi Nakhatama in , Bungoma County, Kenya. While some records suggest he was born in 1943, official registration documents list his birth date as 4 April 1944. His father was a member of the Bakwanga clan,[4] renowned for performing the traditional Khuswala Kumuse ritual [5], while his mother was the daughter of Mbika Khaemba.
Wanjala grew up in a traditional rural setting during the colonial period and underwent Circumcision in 1956, joining the Nyange age group. In 1953, he began his education at Kamusinga Primary School [6]and later sat for the Common Entrance Examination in 1957. He proceeded to Chesamisi Intermidate School in 1958, where he studied until passing his Kenya Primary Education (KPE) examination.[6]
In 1962, Wanjala joined Bungoma Secondary School, which at the time was staffed by teachers from the United States]. Influenced by Western education, he adopted the Christian name Christopher, later shortened to Chris. He completed his Cambridge School Certificate Examination in 1965 before gaining admission to the prestigious Kamusinga Secondary School in 1966.[7]
Secondary education and University life
Prof. Wanjala did his Higher School Ceritifcate examinations in 1967, earning admission to the then University of Nairobi in September 1968. Initially pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree in Arts, specializing in English and History, he transitioned to a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in English at the newly established University of Nairobi, graduating with honors in 1971.[8]
Chris Wanjala earned his Bachelor of Arts Honors and Master of Arts from the University of Nairobi. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Literature at the University of Nairobi. As a university professor, he played a significant role in developing the Literature department at the University of Nairobi. He served as Chairman and founding the Department of Literature at Moi University and Egerton University [9]
Contributions and Achievements
Wanjala was instrumental in strengthening the study of Literature in Kenyan universities. He chaired a UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Wanjala explored topics such as folklore, modern African and Kenyan literature, and social sciences. He served as an External examiner in the Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi and various other institutions. [10]
Career beginnings and research
After graduation, he briefly worked as an Editor (disambiguation)at the East African Literature Bureau which as now known as the Kenya Literature Bureau before enrolling in postgraduate studies while working in the Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi. He rose from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer between 1971 and 1973, completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Literature in 1979. His doctoral thesis, published as for Home and Freedom (1980), [11]made significant contributions to the Great Literature Debate, examining the state of East African literature from the early 1960s to the late 1970s.[10]
Leadership roles and Cultural contributions
In 1981, Prof. Wanjala became a Senior Researcher at the , Institute of African Studies later serving as its Director. He initiated the District Socio-cultural Profiles project, which produced valuable publications for cultural research in Kenya. His international engagements included a Japan Foundation Fellowship in 1983, leading to the establishment of an African Research Institute at Sōka University in Tokyo [11]
In 1985, he returned to the Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi as the first African Associate Professor of Literature. He founded the Kenya Oral Literature Association (KOLA) [12] in 1986 and served on the Board of directorsof Kenya Airways appointed to him by the late President Daniel arap Moi, until 1991[12]
Contributions to book development and cultural heritage
Prof. Wanjala served as Chairman of the National Book Development Council of Kenya (NBDCK) from 2007 until his passing, playing a role in supporting both budding and established writers in Kenya.[13] He was also a member of PEN International Kenya, contributing to the literary community through mentorship and advocacy. [14]
As a keynote speaker, he participated in various academic conferences, including a notable event in 2013 where he presented a paper on "Cultural Events in East and Central Africa" [15] at an invitation from President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
In recognition of his significant contributions to Kenyan literature, culture, and book development, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) in 2012 .[16] To celebrate his 70th birthday Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology honored him with a symposium on literature and culture, while Kenyatta University invited him to inaugurate their Institute of African Studies in the same year.[https://oldsite.mmust.ac.ke/staffprofiles/images/Sedu/Jairus_Omuteche_-_CV.pdf [17]
Personal life and legacy
Prof. Wanjala was a practicing Protestant of the Baptists] denomination, having given his life to Christ during a visit to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1981. He was actively involved in church activities and was known for his commitment to his faith.[18]
In 2014, he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, which he successfully battled after undergoing Chemotherapy However, he faced health challenges again in 2017, ultimately revealing that he had been suffering from Diabetes which had severely affected his health.[19] Despite his struggles, he continued to teach and engage in academic activities with remarkable determination.
Prof. Chris Wanjala's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to education and cultural advocacy. He is remembered as a man who prioritized the needs of others, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of literature and cultural heritage in Kenya.[20]
Awards and honors
Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, (EBS) This is one of Kenya’s most prestigious state honors. Wanjala was honored in 2012 by then-President Mwai Kibaki in recognition of his service to literature, culture, and book development.[21]
Beyond formal awards, Wanjala’s contributions were celebrated through colloquial and memorial lectures after his passing: in 2014, a Colloquium honoring Prof. Wanjala was held on his 70th birthday, gathering prominent literary critics to reflect on his decades-long impact on East African literary discourse[22]
 In 2023, an annual memorial lecture was established in his memory: Centrality of Literary Criticism and Literary Scholarship in Times of Global and National Uncertainties [23] held under the auspices of Kenya Literary Scholars and the East African Literary and Cultural Association Shortly after his passing in 2018, a tribute event was held at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi, attended by writers, educators, and cultural figures[24]
Some of the books edited and authored by Prof.Chris Wanjala
Standpoints on African Literature (1973)
A critical anthology exploring various perspectives in African literature [25]
The Season of Harvest: Some Notes on East African Literature (1978): A literary discussion published by the Kenya Literature Bureau [26]
The Growth of a Literary Tradition in East Africa (1982) Based on an inaugural lecture delivered at the University of Nairobi[27]
Kenya, Kisii District Socio-Cultural Profile (1986) A socio-cultural research profile co-authored with David Nyamwaya for the Ministry of Planning and National Development and the Institute of African Studies[28]
Drums of Death A novel published in Nairobi by Africawide Publishers [29]
Memories We Lost and Other Stories An anthology of short stories edited by Wanjala; it was later approved as a set book for KCSE examinations [30]
Faces at Crossroads Mentioned as a collection featuring his poems and short stories [31]
References
External links
This article "Chris Lukorito Wanjala" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.