The Mt Kenya Times 
Veronica Njagi
1.Briefly tell us who you are and more about your
I’m Veronica Njagi, also known as Poetess Verah, a passionate poet, author, and educator from the heart of Laikipia County. My love affair with poetry began as a child, composing verses and experimenting with words like a fragrance in the air. At 19, I proudly published my first anthology, Don’t Kill Her and Other Poems, launched by the Islamic University of Kenya.
An avid reader and lover of literature, I’ve co-authored multiple poetry collections and never stopped sharing my voice. I hold a bachelor’s degree in education, and by the time I graduated, I had already published two poetry collections—Don’t Kill Her and Other Poems, and Legacy of the Godfather, the latter co-written with Eric Kyalo and Maina Wahome. In 2024, I joined forces with fellow writers in the collaborative novel Just A Kiss, and my most recent work, a short story anthology titled The Last Kiss and Other Stories, is my latest offering to the literary world. My journey is a testament to the power of words, creativity, and collaboration, and I’m just getting started.
- What motivated you to become who you are now
What motivated me to continue was the deep realization that poetry and storytelling are not just personal acts—they are ways to reach others. There were times in my life when I felt lost, but it was through writing that I found clarity, and I wanted to share that with others. Over the years, poets like Maya Angelou and Pablo Neruda taught me how language could transcend time and culture, leaving lasting impressions on hearts and minds.
Ultimately, I write because I want to offer a mirror to people—a space where they can see themselves, whether it’s in the rawness of joy, pain, or reflection. What motivates me most today is the belief that writing, especially poetry, has the power to create empathy, inspire change, and remind us that we’re never truly alone in our thoughts. It’s a journey of growth, both as a writer and as a person, and the more I write, the more I realize how much there is still to say.”
- What does your ideal day look like
My ideal day strikes a perfect balance between creativity and connection. It begins with some quiet morning time, sipping coffee and writing, where I can pour my thoughts into a new poem or a chapter. After that, I shift into teaching, guiding students as they explore their own creative voices. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching them grow and finding new ways to express themselves. In the afternoon, I take time to recharge with a walk or some reading, and later, I connect with fellow writers or review my students’ work, sharing ideas and inspiration. By evening, I wind down with a quiet moment of reflection, feeling grateful for the blend of writing, teaching, and the meaningful connections I’ve made throughout the day.”
- What is the favorite aspect of your work
My favorite aspect of being both an author and a teacher is the opportunity to inspire and connect with others. As an author, I love how writing allows me to express emotions, share stories, and open up new worlds for readers. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my words can resonate with others and make them feel understood. As a teacher, the most fulfilling part is watching my students discover their own voices and creativity. Helping them unlock their potential and seeing them grow as individuals is a constant source of joy and motivation. Both roles allow me to share the power of storytelling and creativity, which makes each day exciting and meaningful.
- What is the hardest part of what you do
The hardest part of authorship and poetry is often the vulnerability that comes with putting your work out into the world. Writing can be deeply personal, and there are times when it feels challenging to share your innermost thoughts and emotions with others, especially when you’re unsure how they will be received. There’s also the constant struggle of finding the right words, the perfect rhythm, or the precise way to express what’s in your heart. It can be frustrating when the ideas don’t flow as smoothly as you’d like or when self-doubt creeps in, but I’ve learned to embrace these struggles as part of the creative process, knowing they lead to growth and better work.
- Have you ever incurred challenges in your work. Please tell us about it.
Absolutely, like any writer or poet, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way. One of the toughest has been battling self-doubt, especially during those creative dry spells when the words seem to vanish and the page stays stubbornly blank. It can feel like you’re stuck in a rut, questioning whether your ideas are good enough or if they even matter. But I’ve learned that those moments of uncertainty are just part of the creative process. Another challenge I’ve faced is finding the balance between staying true to my own voice and meeting the expectations of readers. It’s a constant tug-of-war between being authentic and trying to connect with others. But honestly, these challenges are what make the journey worthwhile. They push me to grow, to dig deeper, and to keep evolving as both a writer and a person. It’s all abut embracing the struggle, knowing that it’s shaping me into the author and poet I’m meant to be.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
- How do you foster yourself to keep moving
Honestly, some days it’s a lot of coffee, a little self-talk, and a whole lot of pretending I know what I’m doing. When I hit a rough patch, I bribe myself with snacks or take a walk where I talk to myself (or maybe to the trees—who’s judging?). I also have this magical ability to get inspired by the most random things—like a song lyric, a strange dream, or even a good nap. But the real secret to keeping going is remembering that the struggle is part of the fun, and every time I feel stuck, I remind myself that even the best writers had days when they wanted to throw their computers out the window. So, I just keep going—coffee in hand, notepad in tow, and a healthy dose of humor to get me through.
- Do you advertise your work. If yes. Tell us how it has helped you
Yes, I do! In today’s world, if you’re not shouting from the digital rooftops, you might as well be whispering in a crowded room. I use social media to share snippets of my work, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and occasionally, a random cat meme to keep things light. It’s helped me connect with readers from all over, build a community of fellow writers and poetry lovers, and even sparked some unexpected opportunities. The best part? It’s a reminder that my work resonates with people beyond my little corner of the world, and that kind of connection is priceless. So yes, advertising my work has been an essential tool in helping me reach new readers, and it’s turned the solitary act of writing into a shared journey!
- What advice would you like to give someone that wants to be you
First off, I’d say, don’t try to be me—be you! The best thing I can share is that the journey of being an author and poet is deeply personal and unique for everyone. Embrace your own voice, even if it feels messy at times. Write as if no one is reading (at least at first), and don’t worry about perfection—just keep writing. There will be tough days, and you’ll probably question why you’re doing it, but remember, writing is about connection, not validation. Also, remember that rejection is just part of the process—every ‘no’ is one step closer to a ‘yes’. Lastly, have fun with it! If you don’t enjoy the ride, what’s the point? So, grab your pen, dive into your words, and trust that the world needs your story.
- Given a chance what impact would you bring to the world, nation and to yourself
If given the chance, I would aim to inspire people to embrace their own voices—whether through poetry, storytelling, or just sharing their truths. On a global scale, I’d love to help foster empathy and understanding, using words to bridge divides and remind us of our shared humanity. For my nation, I’d want to contribute to a culture where creativity is celebrated, where the power of art and literature is recognized as a tool for social change and personal growth. And for myself? I’d want to continue growing, both as a writer and as a person, learning from others, challenging myself, and finding new ways to stay connected to my craft. Ultimately, I’d hope to leave behind a body of work that encourages others to see the world through a different lens—one filled with compassion, imagination, and possibility.
- If someone wants to check your work and what you do, where can they find you? Your handles?
If you’re curious about my work (and trust me, you should be!), you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok under @PoetessVerah—where I share my latest poetry, random thoughts, and probably too many coffee selfies. For the more serious side of me (don’t worry, it’s still a bit quirky), you can catch me on LinkedIn and ResearchGate as Veronicah Njagi—because even poets have to look professional sometimes! Oh, and my books? You can grab them on Amazon. And yes, I even deliver them if you want to skip the shipping fees and get a personal note with your copy. So, come say hello, or at least stalk me a little on social media!
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER June 4, 2026
- Colombian president refuses to accept first-round election results, alleging fraud without evidence
- Ethiopia holds national elections as Abiy Ahmed seeks new mandate amid regional unrest
- When the flames won’t stop: Kenya’s school dormitory crisis and the safety revolution we can no longer defer
- Paris erupts: Nearly 900 arrested as PSG title celebrations descend into “urban guerrilla warfare”
About the Author
