The Kenya chapter of Writers Space Africa (WSA) has opened its first physical office space in the country’s capital. Located in Langata’s Moi estate along Kanga Road, Nairobi, the space will provide the much-needed operational base that will help foster the growth of one of Africa’s most vibrant gatherings of writers. The facility is just one of the chapter’s visions for developing and expanding the group’s initiatives.
Anthony Onugba, the founder and President of Writers Space Africa (WSA), officially opened the office space. Speaking at the opening, he lauded Writers Space Africa (Kenya Chapter) for the numerous firsts it has achieved within the African country chapters. He also announced that WSA Kenya will serve as the administrative Headquarters for East Africa.
“WSA K will be the regional headquarters for all East African country chapters and this is another first for WSA Kenya as the first regional administrative headquarters to be commissioned,” Anthony said. “This is in line with WSA’s effort to step up writers’ development within the region and on the continent,” he added.
Benny Wanjohi, the immediate former country coordinator of WSA Kenya, thanked Anthony for travelling to Kenya to attend the commissioning of the new office. He also praised the current leadership of WSA Kenya for its stewardship efforts. “We greatly appreciate the fact that Anthony Onugba had to travel here to witness this new chapter in the affairs of WSA Kenya,” Benny said. “We salute his vision for African writers and all he does for writing and writers on the continent and the diaspora.”
On his part, Anthony paid tribute to the late Wakini Charity Kuria for pioneering the emergence of country chapters with the founding of WSA Kenya. He said, “I am thankful to Wakini for the various country chapters that we now have. She was a visionary and we all still miss her dearly.” The Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature was initiated in 2019 in memory of Wakini Kuria. The prize is currently in its 4th edition.
Anthony also acknowledged the kindness of Rose Wangari Kinyanjui, a member of the WSA. Rose donated the office space for this excellent service to humanity. Rose, barely a year into her membership, has been instrumental in furthering WSA Kenya’s vision. “I’m humbled to be part of the WSA family and to contribute to its growth and success,” Rose said.
The commissioning of the office space was graced by both the executives of WSA Kenya and ordinary members. Speaking on behalf of the members, Ann Pendo, a poet, said, “I am excited at the commissioning of the office, especially as it will be used to further creative writing in our country and the continent.” Pendo was also full of praise for WSA Kenya. “I am thankful to this group for enabling me to fast-track my writing abilities mainly via the workshops and interactions I have had with fellow members who have boosted my writing morale and increased my confidence.”
Mukonya Mukonya, the coordinator of WSA Kenya, thanked everyone for their continued support towards growing the WSA family. He also expressed his gratitude to Anthony for the dream to unite African writers and the passion to ensure the dreams realization. Mukonya also commended the efforts of WSA Kenya’s previous administration for their achievements before his tenure.
In a fast-changing work world, office spaces remain important aspects of organizations. Thus, operating without a physical office may negatively impact the image and credibility of an organization as it relates to visibility. WSA Kenya urges members of the public to visit its office as members are available to attend to inquiries. The Writers Space Africa family hopes to open more physical offices across the African continent soon.
