We need more literary prizes

by Wafula p'Khisa.

Kenya is a rich literary hub. This is enhanced by the ever-swelling
number of writers, each with exceptionally amazing talents. However,
the development and exploitation of these talents to realize full
potential is usually marred by inadequate motivation, recognition and
starvation. A writer  cannot sit down to eat their work! To overcome
these, more literary prizes are needed badly.

I congratulate Spotlight Publishers East Africa Ltd, Nation Media
Group and the French Embassy-- sponsors of the newly established
literary award: Ubunifu Prize for Kiswahili Literature (launched on 13th
July, 2015). This award will not only propel Kiswahili writers
(whoever will win) to greater heights, increase production of more
literature in Kiswahili but also boost the development and advancement
of Kiswahili, our national language. Indeed, with the award, the
organizers will kill many a bird with a single stone. It is worth
smiling at this great milestone in the development of literature in
general and Kiswahili in particular.

However, although Ubunifu Prize offers a fat amount of money (1M Ksh)
to the winner, publishes his manuscript and those of the first and
second runners up, it is disheartening to note that it is only the third
  indigenous prize, after Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature
(established in 1974) and Wahome Mutahi Literary Award (established in
2006). Only three literary awards since independence, more than five
decades ago. Hell!

At our age, we should be boasting of more than ten grand literary
prizes. For example, we could have some specifically for poetry,
fiction and drama. Writers would be so much dedicated in their
literary endeavours. But, with the meager prizes (which come with
equally meager amounts of money) and the nightmare of getting
published, writers herein starve, forever starve. Moreover, in my
view, failing to recognize our writers influences foreigners' views
about them whenever they are nominated for international awards like
the Nobel. They cannot recognize people whose nation see nothing in
them. So literature suffers from such blows.

To develop, advance and enrich our art-- beyond unimaginable
horizons-- we need more literary prizes please!

The writer is a poet, writer and teacher of English & Literature at
St. Monica's Girls High School-- Kitale.