Siku Njema by Ken Walibora 

ISBN: 9789966497444

UIUC Library Catalogue: 

Siku Njema is a celebrated Swahili Novel by Ken walibora, a prominent Kenyan author, and published in 1996, chronicles the emotional journey of  a young man, Msanifu Kombo, fondly called Kongowea Mswahili. Born in Tanzania, he grapples with family hardships alongside his single mother, a talented singer of Taarab songs. As a child born out of wedlock, he endures the taunts of his schoolmates. Tragedy strikes when his mother passes away, compelling him to undertake a poignant journey to western Kenya in search of his biological father, whom he has only seen in a snapshot of their house. He eventually finds his father, a known poet, when he is already dead.

Harufu ya Mapera by K.W. Wamitila

ISBN 9966-773-85-1

UIUC Library Website: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Mapera

Prof. K.W. Wamitila, a celebrated Swahili author, has made significant contributions to Swahili literature and grammar, earning him several awards. His novel, Harufu ya Mapera, is a thought-provoking exploration of African politics with its central theme. The story provides a comprehensive understanding of the nature of African politics, including the intrigues, witch-hunting, hypocrisy, falsification, and scheming that characterize political conduct. Besides the politics, the novel addresses other themes that affect the lives of African communities.

Nasikia Sauti ya Mama by Ken Walibora 

ISBN 978 9966 31275 4

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Sauti

Ken Walibora is one of the most respected and celebrated authors of Swahili Literature, including poems, plays, and novels. He has won several awards for his works and has vast experience working in media houses as the chief editor of Swahili programs. Naskia Sauti ya Mama is an autobiography of Ken Walibora, opening to his early life and school. Some of the issues raised in Ken's early life point to critical issues affecting African communities. Some of the problems include diseases, poverty, and strained family relations. The book has many aspects with similar incidences and narrations, especially places mentioned like Cherangani, Sangura, and Baraki, and the pivotal role Ken's Mother played in his education.

Hujafa Hujaumbika by F.M Kagwa 

ISBN 978 9966 31 568 7

UIUC Library Catalogue:  https://go.library.illinois.edu/Hujafa

F.M. Kagwa is a teacher of Swahili literature and an author with vast experience. Hujafa Hujaumbika is an exciting piece that gives hope to the community amidst many challenges arising from massive corruption and a lack of sound moral values. The story features a character named Mwanga, also known as Fumo, an orphan raised by a guardian; however, he is well taken care of and given all he requires.  When things seem to be taking shape, Fumo is befallen by tragedy after tragedy. His guardian loses her job, and their house is sold; his sister is raped, and eventually, his guardian is taken to court to prevent her from following a case about the house being taken. While in school, tragedies and accidents keep following him. This is an exciting read that opens up to the realities of life of the underprivileged members of the community.

Chozi la Heri by Assupmta K. Matei 

ISBN: 9789966068187

ISBN: 996606818X

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/chozi

Chozi la Heri is a contemporary Swahili novel with a main character named Ridhaa. Ridhaa encounters several challenges that impact his life. First, he is segregated in school, and when he starts a job as a doctor, he encounters many issues related to corruption. Due to the tribal and corrupt nature of the society, his house is burnt, leading to the loss of his family members and property. The novel explores relevant themes that surround the Kenyan community and African communities at large. Themes of Corruption, Negative ethnicity, and greed for power. Assumpta Matei, a celebrated Swahili author known for her insightful portrayal of societal issues, has contributed significantly to Swahili literature through her works. Many of her works, including Chozi la Heri, have been used as set texts in the Kenyan high school.

Pendo la Karaha by John Habwe 

ISBN: 9789966347459

ISBN : 9966347453

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/karaha

John Habwe, a distinguished Swahili Scholar and author, has significantly contributed to developing the Swahili language through his publications and reference books, notably the Swahili Kamusi (dictionary). His widely read and appreciated literary works have added depth and richness to the Swahili literary landscape. He is an associate professor in the Department of Swahili at the University of Nairobi and brings 30 years of teaching experience. Pendo la Karaha, one of his novels, is a gripping Swahili Novel dominated by hyperbole and regrets. In this text, Habwe focuses on the plight of young people who leave Africa because of the poverty levels to seek better lives and opportunities in foreign countries. A decision that many think is a happy one and full of pleasure. Kudra is in this situation; how does he navigate?

Kaburi Bila Msalaba by Kareihi P. M.  

Call Number: 896.392 K14K

 Kaburi Bila Msalaba by P.M. Kareithi honors the Kenyan female and male freedom fighters buried in unmarked graves, to which the book title alludes. The book tells the story of a Mau Mau frontline fighter who fought in Burma in World War Two, only to return to a life of frustration in Kenya, instead of land and war reparations promised. The book highlights the struggle for independence and the freedom fights led by the Mau Mau

Msichana wa Mbalamwezi by K.W.Wamitila

ISBN: 9966-773-73-8

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Msichana

K.W. Wamitila is a seasoned and award-winning author who has written extensively on Swahili literature and language. Among his outstanding works are the play Seserumbe and the novel Nguvu ya Sela.  Msichana wa Mbalamwezi is a captivating story that narrates the life of a character named Yosi Mkanga.  Yosi Mkanga lived a perfect life until she celebrated her 35th birthday. Things suddenly changed, and her life was never the same.  Her sickness exposes the rot in the health facilities and many other important themes in the African community. The novel follows Yosi's journey as she navigates the challenges of this unexpected change. This is a contemporary text based on today's realities in the modern world.

Maiti Inayokohoa by Malle Hanzi 

ISBN 978-9987-9526-6-3

UIUC Library Website: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Maiti

Malle Hanzi, a labor and employment specialist, is also an author and poet. His latest work, 'Maiti Iliyokohoa,' is an investigative Swahili novel. This gripping story features journalists who are on a mission to uncover the truth behind the death of a civilian, making it a compelling read for all. It is in the hands of a contractor. In the course of the investigations, he finds himself in the mouth of a lion, and people are killed; one of the corpses coughs, and a character, John Mpelelezi, has to find out which one among the corpses coughed.

Ndoto ya Amerika by Ken Walibora

ISBN 978 9966 95 110 5

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Ndoto

Ken Walibora, a celebrated Swahili author, has penned numerous works in Swahili literature. His book, Ndoto ya Amerika (The American Dream), is a first-person narrative that follows the adventures of Isaya Yano, a young pupil in the village of Sangura. This children's book, with its engaging and creative narrative style, is not just for kids but also a delightful read for older audiences. The book characters embody the expression of the American dream by dreaming of the United States in the hopes of improving their chances of escaping their continent. The book explores how the African child is portrayed with the idea of the great West as a luxury land.

Kimbunga cha Shari by Joseph Musiori Nyagerita

ISBN 978-9966-51-086-0

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Kimbunga

Kimbunga Cha Shari is an interesting and unique Swahili Novel that tells the story of a character named Rehema. Rehema gives her property to Kassim, her lover, who leaves her and takes away all that belonged to her. Her mother also dies, and Rehema has given up on life. She decides to kill Kassim and also kill herself. This Novel discusses the actual realities of life, especially concerning  African customs and traditions. The author employs several stylistic devices to deliver his message and themes uniquely. Joseph Musiori teaches Swahili in High school in Kenya and has authored other works in Swahili literature.

Walenisi  by Katama G Mkangi 

ISBN: 9966467165

ISBN: 9789966467164

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/walenisi

Walenisi is an exciting novel about a character named Dzombo, who is sentenced to death for crimes he did not commit. He ends up in a spaceship (Sayari) that has been re-engineered and made into a giant incinerator used for the quick mass execution of criminals. Instead of killing him, the spacecraft allows him to escape from the death sentence and takes him away from Earth to another planet. What he sees there shocks him yet fills him with hope. The novel is a true reflection of societies in the African community. Mkangi exposes the evils of society from the family level to how government institutions operate.

Kula kwa Mheshimiwa by John Namlola

ISBN: 9789966229519

ISBN: 9966229515

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/kula

Kula Kwa Mheshimiwa is a contemporary Swahili novel focusing on African leadership styles and politics. The book narrates the Kenyan political situation set during the general elections and reflects the intrigues of the campaigns. Two politicians, Apewe (a man )and Majaliwa (a woman) are vying for a parliamentary seat and trying to outdo each other.  Apewe tries to pay Majaliwa to step down for him, but she is adamant that she will run for the post. When Apewe realizes that she is gaining popularity, he organizes for her to be murdered. Fortunately, she survives the murder and goes ahead to win the seat, and the Apewe goes to jail. Apewe represents the crooked politicians who use dubious means to win political seats.