Barbara Kimenye facts for kids

Barbara Kimenye (born December 19, 1929 – died August 12, 2012) was a famous writer. She was born in Britain but became one of the most popular children's authors in East Africa. She lived there from the 1950s. Her books sold over a million copies. They were popular in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. She wrote more than 50 books. She is best known for her Moses series. These books are about a playful student at a boarding school for boys. Many people called her "the top writer of children's books in Uganda." Her stories were widely read in schools across Africa. Even though she was born in England, Barbara Kimenye felt like she was Ugandan.

Early Life and Moving to Africa

Barbara Clarke Holdsworth was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. She went to a girls' school in Keighley. Later, she moved to London to train as a nurse. In London, she met many students from East Africa. She married Bill Kimenye, whose father was a chief from Bukoba in what was then Tanganyika.

In the mid-1950s, Barbara and Bill moved to his hometown near Lake Victoria. After her marriage ended, she moved to Uganda. She had friends there. In Kampala, she met many friends again. These friends were becoming the first leaders and professionals in Uganda. Uganda was soon to become an independent country.

The Kabaka of Buganda, Mutesa II of Buganda, asked her to work as a private secretary. She lived near the palace with her two sons, Christopher and David. Her family became very close to the royal family. In 1965, she moved to Nairobi, Kenya. There, she worked for newspapers like the Daily Nation and The EastAfrican.

She lived in Nairobi until 1975. Her sons were in England by then. So, she moved to London. She worked for Brent Council as an adviser. She also kept writing. She followed what was happening in Uganda. She supported groups who wanted a better future for Uganda. In 1986, she returned to Uganda. She spent three more years in Kampala. Then, she moved back to Kenya for ten years.

In 1998, Kimenye finally settled in London. She lived happily there. She was very involved in community activities. Her son Christopher passed away in 2005. Barbara Kimenye died in London in 2012, at 82 years old. She is survived by her son David and her granddaughter, Celeste.

Her Writing Journey

Barbara Kimenye always had a special way with words. When she was 11, she even wrote her own newspaper! She became a journalist for the Uganda Nation newspaper. She was very good at telling stories. She started writing down the tales she told to children.

When she moved to Nairobi, Kenya, in 1965, publishers noticed her. After countries became independent, publishers wanted talented writers. They wanted authors who wrote for and about African children. Her first book was Kalasanda. It was about village life in Uganda. Then came Kalasanda Revisited.

After these books, she started writing for children and schools. Her first two stories were very successful. But her most famous books are the Moses series. These stories are about a mischievous student at a boarding school for troublesome boys. Just before she passed away, she heard exciting news. The Moses series was going to be re-released. It would also be translated into Kiswahili.

Published Works

Non-fiction

• The Modern African Vegetable Cookbook. East African Educ Publishers. 1997. ISBN 978-9966466464.

Children's Books

• Pretty Boy, Beware. East African Educational Publishers. 2004. ISBN 978-9966460158.
• The Winner and Other Stories. Kenya Literature Bureau. 1997. ISBN 9966442669.
• Kayo's House. Macmillan Education. 1996. ISBN 978-0333632376.
• Paulo's Strange Adventure. Chelsea House Publications. 1994. ISBN 978-0791031636.
• The Runaway Bride. MacMillan Education. 1994. ISBN 9780333618240.
• Taxi. Heinemann. 1993. ISBN 9780435893637.
• The Money Game. Heinemann. 1992. ISBN 9780435893606.
• The smugglers. East African Educational Publishers. 1990. ISBN 9789966469144.
• Beauty Queen. East African Educational Publishers. 1988. ISBN 978-9966460141.
• Gemstone Affair. Evans Brothers. 1978.
• The Scoop. Nelson. 1978. ISBN 978-0175115914.
• The Runaways. Oxford University Press. 1973. ISBN 978-9966466464.
• Sarah and the Boy. Oxford University Press. 1972. ISBN 9780195720822.
• The Winged Adventure. Oxford University Press. 1969.
• Kalasanda Revisited. Oxford University Press. 1966.
• Kalasanda. Oxford University Press. 1965.

Moses Series

• Moses and the Movie. MacMillan Education. 1996. ISBN 9780333653470.
• Moses and the Man from Mars. East African Educational Publishers. 1991. ISBN 978-9966464002.
• Moses in a Mess. East African Educational Publishers. 1991. ISBN 978-9966466167.
• Moses and the School Farm. Oxford University Press (EA). 1987. ISBN 978-019-573859-9.
• Moses and the Raffle. Oxford University Press (EA). 1986. ISBN 978-019-573858-2.
• Moses in a Muddle. Oxford University Press (EA). 1976. ISBN 978-019-573852-0.
• Moses and the Penpal. Oxford University Press (EA). 1976. ISBN 978-0195720693.
• Moses on the Move. Oxford University Press (EA). 1971. ISBN 978-019-573856-8.
• Moses and the Kidnappers. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573850-6.
• Moses and the Mildred. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573851-3.
• Moses in Trouble. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573853-7.
• Moses and the Ghost. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573855-1.
• Moses and the Cramper. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573854-4.
• Moses and Penpal. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573857-5.
• Moses. Oxford University Press (EA). 1968. ISBN 978-019-573849-0.