Grace Ogot
Grace Ogot (1930–2015) was a celebrated Kenyan author, nurse, journalist, politician, and diplomat. She is renowned for her contributions to literature, particularly her short stories and novels that explore religious, social, and economic themes, often drawing from Luo folklore.
Chronicling of Luo folk tales.
About author
Author's gallery
Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot was a multifaceted Kenyan figure who made significant contributions in various fields including literature, politics, and healthcare.
Born on May 15, 1930, in Central Nyanza, Kenya, she initially trained as a nurse and worked in Uganda before transitioning into writing and politics.
Ogot is best known for her short stories and novels, which often incorporate traditional Luo folk tales and address complex themes such as colonialism, gender roles, and cultural identity.
Her literary works, including “The Promised Land” and “Land Without Thunder,” have been widely acclaimed and anthologized.
Besides her literary achievements, Ogot also held a ministerial position in Kenya’s government, making her one of the first women to serve in such a capacity in President Moi’s government.
Her legacy continues to inspire many in the fields of literature and beyond.
Rewards and recognitions
- First Woman to be published by East African Publishers : She was the first Kenyan woman to have fiction published by the East African Publishing House, the region's first locally owned publishing firm. Her novel The Promised Land (1966) and short story collection Land Without Thunder (1968) were landmark publications.
- Amazon
- Amazon
