Telling stories through writing

GEORGE MAGUNGA, 21, is a blogger whose passion for writing has enabled him achieve a lot with little resources. He spoke to KEVIN OGUOKO

When did you realise you loved writing?

When I was in primary school. English, specifically composition, was my favourite subject in primary and high school. After Form Four at Maranda High School, I started blogging, which enriched my writing hobby.

What have you accomplished so far with your blogs?

I started blogging as a hobby, but became consistent during the campus holidays. The blog garnered more than 5,000 hits. I entered the Connect, Vuka Border competition where I beat 16 competitors for the top position.

How did the win help you in your journey to become an accomplished writer?

In the Vuka Border competition, we were expected to write about the East African Community. Many of the competitors dwelled on basic items like writing about each of the member states and what East Africa is about, but I took a personal approach. I used vivid imaginations to explain the white sandy beaches of Mapenzi Beach in Zanzibar, the Kiboko Bay of Lake Victoria, the land of a thousand hills in Burundi, and the wildebeest migration of the Mara, to bring the East Africa story alive.

How would you describe your style of writing?

I often use stories I have experienced or heard. It doesn’t have to be a first-hand experience. My powerful blog, to date, was one I wrote on a female friend who had cancer. She had been told she had less than a year to live. I was able to capture the emotion of this through a witty and mind-jogging blog. Everyone who comes across it still commends me for it.

Are you still studying?

I did Accounting to Section Four at Strathmore University and I am currently undertaking a Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Nairobi, Parklands Campus. 

If you are interested in writing for a living, why didn’t you pursue a Journalism or Mass Communication degree?

In high school, no one encouraged us to take up Literature or Mass Communication as course options at the university. During my year, all science subjects were compulsory. You were encouraged to either apply for a Medicine or one of the Engineering courses by everyone, including your parents.

Is blogging the only form of journalism you are interested in?

No. I have dropped my articles in various media houses. I have also contacted fellow bloggers such as Jackson Biko and Oyunga Pala, and given them some of my articles. They are my mentors and give me feedback, making me a better writer. Together with my college mates, we started a magazine called Parklander Weekly at the University of Nairobi, Parklands Campus.

Are you also behind the Campus Chronicles magazine? How did it come about?

The Parklander Weekly retailed at Sh30. We had a large audience and it did well. A friend from main campus did the printing because he had a printer. After he graduated, we decided to come up with a magazine that would cover all the University of Nairobi campuses and that is how the Campus Chronicles was born with me as the managing editor.

What did the magazine entail?

Campus Chronicles was a magazine about students and written by students. Unfortunately, we could not sustain its printing, as we could not attract advertisers. We decided to make it an online monthly publication.

Tell us about your role as a vice-chair of the Kenya Law Students Society?

I sit on the disciplinary board of Law students. We decide on the disciplinary action for students caught in exam irregularities.

What is your parting shot?

I’m passionate about writing and about to complete my 100,000-word manuscript. I admit I’m young and still a rookie, but a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a step.