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Dear Mama
Growing up as a small, timid child and the youngest in a humble, single-parent family, Kinyanjui Kombani did not believe he was destined for greatness. How he overcame adversity to become a renowned writer, all while building an international career in banking, is a story that begs to be told.
In this collection of deeply personal letters to his beloved, departed mother, written during a pivotal moment in the world, Kombani writes about his life – the wins, the losses, the lessons and the journey from a junior clerk in a branch to the bank’s global offices in Singapore.
In his trademark easy style, he also gives us a behind-the-scenes view of the writing of the books that earned him multiple literary awards.
In this collection of deeply personal letters to his beloved, departed mother, written during a pivotal moment in the world, Kombani writes about his life – the wins, the losses, the lessons and the journey from a junior clerk in a branch to the bank’s global offices in Singapore.
In his trademark easy style, he also gives us a behind-the-scenes view of the writing of the books that earned him multiple literary awards.
230 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
About the author
Kinyanjui Kombani
14 books81 followersKinyanjui Kombani 'The Banker who writes' is a Singapore-based Kenyan creative writer, banker, and design thinking specialist.
He is the 2018 Winner of the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature for his story 'Finding Colombia'. In 2019, he won the Jomo Kenyatta and Wahome Mutahi prizes for Literature for 'Do or Do' and 'Of Pawns and Players' respectively. He was named as one of the 25 Notable Authors of all time by Kenya Publishers Association in 2024.
His novels ‘The Last Villains of Molo’, and 'Den of Inequities' have been study texts at university level, while 'Finding Colombia' is a study text for Grade 7 in Kenyan schools. His autobiography, 'Dear Mama' is the compulsory set book for Grade 10 in Kenya.
Kombani’s work includes 16 solo publications and 8 collaborations, including the acclaimed 'Nairobi Noir' anthology.
Kinyanjui is a graduate of Kenyatta University, Kenya, where he honed his skills in theatre and creative writing. ‘Carcasses’, a play he wrote for Born Free Foundation’s Bush Meat Trade Awareness project, was performed to audiences all over the country and later shot to film. as ‘Mizoga’. The film has been screened in Africa, Europe and the USA and has been shown to over 60,000 rural Kenyans.
He is the 2018 Winner of the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature for his story 'Finding Colombia'. In 2019, he won the Jomo Kenyatta and Wahome Mutahi prizes for Literature for 'Do or Do' and 'Of Pawns and Players' respectively. He was named as one of the 25 Notable Authors of all time by Kenya Publishers Association in 2024.
His novels ‘The Last Villains of Molo’, and 'Den of Inequities' have been study texts at university level, while 'Finding Colombia' is a study text for Grade 7 in Kenyan schools. His autobiography, 'Dear Mama' is the compulsory set book for Grade 10 in Kenya.
Kombani’s work includes 16 solo publications and 8 collaborations, including the acclaimed 'Nairobi Noir' anthology.
Kinyanjui is a graduate of Kenyatta University, Kenya, where he honed his skills in theatre and creative writing. ‘Carcasses’, a play he wrote for Born Free Foundation’s Bush Meat Trade Awareness project, was performed to audiences all over the country and later shot to film. as ‘Mizoga’. The film has been screened in Africa, Europe and the USA and has been shown to over 60,000 rural Kenyans.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 22, 2026
Loved the unique way this autobiography is written. Really interesting book about celebrated author-Kinyanjui Kombani. I loved the short chapters too and the way COVID-19 is covered. Inspirational. Emotional.Unputdownable and the perfect book for both young adults and adults.
February 24, 2026
When I started reading Dear Mama, the very first pages moved me to tears. It’s an emotional, beautifully told story that I ended up thoroughly enjoying—especially the twists, the growth, and the honesty woven through it.
My biggest takeaway was the power of asking—asking for help, clarity, and direction. I believe this book will deeply encourage any young boy or girl who feels unsure about their future, particularly those navigating life in the absence of their greatest cheerleader—a mum or a dad, in whatever context.
Kudos to Kinyanjui Kombani for sharing such a powerful and heartfelt gift.
My biggest takeaway was the power of asking—asking for help, clarity, and direction. I believe this book will deeply encourage any young boy or girl who feels unsure about their future, particularly those navigating life in the absence of their greatest cheerleader—a mum or a dad, in whatever context.
Kudos to Kinyanjui Kombani for sharing such a powerful and heartfelt gift.
April 5, 2026
This is a refreshing and highly relatable read that fills one with renewed gratitude and hope.
If you are reading this book in public, beware, tears will well up in your eyes several times. You might want to read it in a comfortable space- I picked my copy up on a Saturday afternoon and only put it down when driving home at night. I stayed up until 2AM on Sunday and woke up to finish it before heading to Church.
I contend that the mother finished the race! She planted the seeds that ensured that he bloomed. Highly recommended household reading!
If you are reading this book in public, beware, tears will well up in your eyes several times. You might want to read it in a comfortable space- I picked my copy up on a Saturday afternoon and only put it down when driving home at night. I stayed up until 2AM on Sunday and woke up to finish it before heading to Church.
I contend that the mother finished the race! She planted the seeds that ensured that he bloomed. Highly recommended household reading!
February 17, 2026
I felt so nostalgic reading Dear Mama. I am reminded so much about my own life.
Kinyanjui has emphasised so much about the power of asking. I hope our young readers in Grade 10 can learn the power of asking. It never hurts. The worst you'll get is a no. But what if it's a yes? You'll never know till you ask.
Kinyanjui has emphasised so much about the power of asking. I hope our young readers in Grade 10 can learn the power of asking. It never hurts. The worst you'll get is a no. But what if it's a yes? You'll never know till you ask.
March 30, 2026
Kombani baring his soul in this emotive book that showed how he has overcome odds stacked against him and how much he yearned to share his triumphs with his late mama. A truly inspirational tale that shows the power of humanity and how one’s life should not be templatised and follow a course well trodden. Courage, love, faith and the power of asking are values that one can learn from Kombani.
April 15, 2026
I love how Kinyanjui Kombani leaves you laughing and crying at the same time. It's his signature move. And Dear Mama elicited the same feelings in me. In addition to the emotional rollercoaster, what I loved more is the opportunity the book gave us to experience his journey through childhood into adulthood, the journey to becoming a prolific writer and the journey into his career. His journey spoke to me and I believe it speaks to every one of us - the highs, the lows and the very very lows. Many willingly share their successes but very few share their struggles but Kinyanjui has shared with us his pain before his wins and that is what authenticity looks like. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
March 31, 2026
I laughed, and I cried. A book full of soul, love and loss, and lessons for both the young and old.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews