Born in Nairobi and raised in Nakuru, Mbugua Ng’ang’a, a participant in AKU’s Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation (EMMLI) programme, experienced life in both urban and rural settings. Growing up, storytelling was a pivotal part of their upbringing. Without the consistent availability of television and radio, oral literature became a nightly tradition, bringing his family together. As the writer recalls, "In the evenings, we’d gather and tell stories, and that’s where my passion for storytelling began."
It was during these formative years that Mbugua realized the importance of preserving stories, recognizing that without documentation, many would fade into obscurity. Mbugua’s initial path was in literature—studying literature and English at Egerton University—thus his transition to journalism felt organic. Realizing that writing books alone wouldn't sustain a living, he explored other avenues to continue writing while supporting himself. “Journalism is described as literature in a hurry," Mbugua jokes.
After working in the world of journalism with the NGO-run monthly newspaper eXpression Today, Mbugua’s career trajectory expanded. From reporting on human rights to winning the Pan Africa Broadcast and Heritage Award for a series of stories about political activists who were torture victims during the Moi regime, Mbugua’s commitment to uncovering truths and sharing impactful stories grew stronger. This led to lead editorial roles at People Daily, The Standard, and The Nation, where he honed their craft, moving from reporter to sub-editor, and ultimately to managing editor. Currently Mbugua is an editor for Nairobi Law Monthly, a Kenyan legal magazine that provides unmatched insights and expert analysis on legal issues within Kenya and internationally.
As the media landscape shifted towards digital, Mbugua found himself at the forefront of this transformation. Acknowledging the need for continuous learning, he enrolled in EMMLI to understand the latest trends in journalism and innovation. “I needed a course that would position me in a leadership role and also help me drive innovation in my industry,” they shared. This decision reflects his commitment to staying ahead of the curve and leading in an ever-changing industry.
Alongside journalism, Mbugua’s passion for books continued to thrive. His first children’s book, Kajuju and the Big Caterpillar, was published in 2000, marking the beginning of a distinguished 25-year-long publishing journey. Over the years, Mbugua has published over 20 adult books through his own company, Big Books, while also collaborating with major Kenyan publishers for children’s books and educational materials. Big Books specializes in adult fiction and biographies, offering a personalized approach to publishing. “For the adult books, I handle the publishing myself," the writer explained, "and as people have come to know Big Books, I frequently receive requests to edit or publish memoirs and biographies."
Despite the extensive experience the writer has accumulated in both journalism and publishing, he continues to invest in his professional development. “I had forgotten the basics of research. In journalism, research is different from academic research, and the course is helping me learn those differences,” he shared. This self-reflective attitude toward learning underscores his commitment to growth, even at advanced stages of his career.
By combining traditional journalism with the latest innovations, the writer is positioning himself and his work for continued relevance and impact. His journey exemplifies the power of continuous learning, critical thinking, and adapting to new technologies while holding firm to the core values of storytelling and authenticity.
