Remembering Ng农g末 wa Thiong鈥檕: A legacy of decolonisation
The School of Social Sciences would like to extend heartful condolences to the family, friends and colleagues on the passing of . Ng农g末 was an esteemed Kenyan author and academic who has been described as East Africa鈥檚 leading novelist and important figures in African literature.
Born in 1938 in the 鈥榳hite鈥� highlands of Kenya - the heart of the colonised landscape - the colonial regime shaped his family鈥檚 life. His lifelong dedication as a scholar and activist has left an indelible mark on the global decolonisation movement, particularly for the African diaspora.
Since 1964, he was honoured with numerous awards, honorary doctorates and prizes in recognition of his enduring efforts against the adverse impacts of colonisation. He was one of the few remaining scholars and activists whose work defines the grand eras of decolonisation of the African and global diasporic mind.
Our School was fortunate to host Professor wa Thiogn鈥檕 when he delivered our prestigious annual Arthur Lewis lecture in October 2023. This series of lectures commenced in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the economist Arthur Lewis, who became Britain鈥檚 first black professor when he was appointed as a professor at the University of 野狼社区 in 1948.
In his lecture, chaired by , Ng农g末 discussed the harms caused by imperialism and colonialisation, focusing on their lasting impact on native languages, African knowledge, memory, the environment and human rights. The lecture was then followed by a conversation with Esther Stanford-Xosei, community advocate and international expert on reparatory justice, addressing African-centred solutions to these lasting legacies. The event was attended by over 500 people 鈥� a recording of the event can be located on our .
The day after the lecture, Professor wa Thiong鈥檕 discussed the importance of continuing decolonial and reparatory work with colleagues from our School, guests from our partner institution, the University of Nairobi, and local community leaders. Particular emphasis was given to the role universities have in continuing decolonial work and building equitable partnerships. His visit also marked an important moment in School鈥檚 formal collaborations with African universities.
For example, the (ISPF (ODA) funded project on Decolonial Knowledge Production in HE and the British Academy funded project (EP for AfRICa) contributes to the school's approach. EP for AfRICa in particular acknowledges that all partner universities bring unique perspectives and can learn from one another.
Through joint learning, peer exchange, and inclusive institutional strategies, partner universities are building capacity across the entire research lifecycle. By centering equity and local ownership, the initiative aims to reshape international collaboration into a model of co-leadership and long-term adaptability.