The Mt Kenya Times 
The Ring of The Moon
Author: Simiyu S. Stanford
Publisher: Elong’o Publishers
Year: 2023
Title: The Ring of The Moon
Genre: Poetry
Pages: 156
Cost: Ksh.800
Title: Robai Nabisino Makokha
Genre: Biography
Pages: 89
Cost: Ksh.1,000
Contact: stanfordsiboe@gmail.com/+254726651428
Facebook page: Simiyu S. Stanford, The legendary Poet
East African Literature has always been showered and highly painted beautifully by great literary scholars such as Ngugi wa Thing, Francis Imbuga, David Rubadiri, and John Ruganda among other great authors and poets.
Trans-Nzoia, a county in Kenya has not been left out after losing Ken Walibora; a new author pulsating with new blood in the world of literature has sprung out. Little is known about SIMIYU S. STANFORD who is a prolific author with works including “The Ring of The Moon” (a poetry analysis book), “Robai Nabisino Makokha” (A biography), “Dust” and “The Web” (plays), and “I Lost Them” (a short story anthology). The other books are unpublished while these two ( The Ring of The Moon and Robai Nabisino Makokha) were published by Elong’o Publishers on 8th July 2023 and 8th September 2023 respectively.
“The Ring of The Moon” is a poetry guide and revision book for learners of all levels of education: secondary schools, colleges, and universities. The book offers a basic foundation for learning poetry and the poems address various thematic concerns such as Pan-Africanism, misogyny, child abuse, health, development, corruption, leadership, love, pain, disillusionment and suffering among the endless list of themes. His poem; “I RISE”, dominated Mount Kenya Times Magazine in 2022.
This collection employs a variety of styles such as lyrical, free verse, narrative, sonnet, haiku, and pattern poetry; blended well with a wide range of voices and sound patterns. It offers basic tips to students on how to study and excel in the field of poetry.
I highly recommend it to both students and facilitators of poetry. However, high school students will benefit greatly from this text.
“Robai Nabisino Makokha” is a biography book about a woman who was born in Chesikaki village, Bungoma county, Kenya in 1914. This memoir tells of her woes, tales, and how she managed to outrun the archaic culture and traditions that saw her into a forced marriage at the age of 16 years. Although she was married to her teacher who stole her virginity and made her a mother of eight, she stuck to her dreams. She fought bravely many obstacles and emerged a victor who lived for 106 years.
This is an inspirational book, a motivational factor, and a hope to many individuals who are despaired, depressed and disappointed. It has the satisfaction of the heart and soul. It’s mind and wound healing.
People have their says and beliefs about Robai Nabisino Makokha. This book looks at her from a different angle and a unique way.
Reviewed by Bettie Atemo
Marketing Consultant, Mt Kenya Times
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