This series of biographies of some of the key-players in Kenya's modern history describes their individual roles and importance in historical context; and illustrates widely, and to a general readership, their contributions to the historical process, which may be little known outside Kenya. Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee was born in Pakistan in 1856, and went to East Africa in 1890. He was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist in Kenya, building the Jeevanje Gardens, and most of Nairobi when the city was a sprawling township. He provided many services to the Colonial Government; but grew to...

Wangu wa Makeri was born in the second half of the nineteenth century into traditional Gikuyu society. She underwent customary rites and married. In 1901, she was appointed the 'headman' of Weithaga Location, the first and only female headman of the entire colonial period. The author outlines her character and background, and the kind of leadership Wangu showed her community; and discusses to what extent the stereotypical portrayals of her as a leader - as a whore or personification of evil - are true. The study also assesses the significance in her fall from power of the conflict between...

John Kiriamiti's best-selling novel My Life in Crime has become a classic. Here Milly, his girlfriend, tells the poignant story of her life with the bank robber. They were in love, and he was gentle, kind and considerate. But after she moved in with him, she discovered his double life. She remained devoted, but the stress of his life bore its toll, and finally they parted. This sequel novel is also a bestseller in Kenya.