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Through My African Eyes
“Through My African Eyes!” is a concise narrative covering some of the major players in 20th century African politics. The book is rich with insights into the personal and intellectual underpinnings of many historical events in Africa.
Chronicles of some pretty interesting Africans from warlords, soldiers, victims and politicians lend insight into Jeff’s celebrated journalistic style.
www.jeffkoinange.co.ke
Chronicles of some pretty interesting Africans from warlords, soldiers, victims and politicians lend insight into Jeff’s celebrated journalistic style.
www.jeffkoinange.co.ke
- GenresNonfictionBiography
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 1, 2025
Well written African literature. I enjoyed reading this journalistic biography
February 1, 2025
A great autobiography by Kenyan journalist Jeff koinange. It gave me an insight on what it takes to be a continental journalist and understand both the highs and the lows of the career. He takes us through the different experiences that he gained while working for CNN as an African region reporter.
Great work.
Great work.
January 14, 2016
Hitherto reading this book, my most recent knowledge of Jeff Koinange was a case involving him and a lady that led to his dismissal from CNN. Before that, he used to pepper his African stories on our news screens from time to time.
It was not an intimate knowledge of Jeff, he was, however, one of the few African faces on international television, before the Isha Sesay's and Tumi Makgabo's .
"Through My African Eyes" is a journalistic-cum-personal tale of the Kenyan journalist. From the onset, however, you realise Koinange is not your usual off the mill character, given to the fact that the preface is by one of Africa's foremost statesmen, former South African president Thabo Mbeki; and the foreword is by one of Kenya's greatest authors, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o.
One of the leading chapters shares history about his lineage and how it contributed to the liberation of Kenya from colonialism. You get a feeling early on that Jeff was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and doesn't try to hide it. His life in most cases is a case of triumph to triumph regardless the little hiccups here and there. In a way, he seems to be too self-involved as you try and get through the first chapters because he's talking about his achievements in a matter-of-fact no drama kind of way.
He handles the rumours about him in such a de minimis but humble way that you soon forget about the scandalised man and follow him on his journey. They are probably rumours.
When his journalistic tale starts, you begin to enjoy the story more. His focus moves away from himself and onto other people. In truth, you realise that Jeff's time as an African storyteller brought proliferated the African story onto the international scene much more than before.
Even though many of the stories are sad stories about wars, inhumanity, rape, disaster and other unfortunate events on the continent, Africa is no longer dark in terms of being covered. (I suspect that if Jeff was around when the incidents of Burundi broke out, perhaps we'd have a different story). There is a positive side to the negative stories because most times they engage viewers and governments into a quicker response.
The rape stories are harrowing. I cannot imagine how Jeff was able to handle all the sadness from all the stories he met, especially from the women in Sierra Leone, DRC, Rwanda and Kenya. On the news, you don't understand the depth of the story as when you hear the backstory from Jeff.
The book moves well. Chronicling the places he lived in and their impact, like Nigeria and how his story about MEND created enmity between a man and a country; Jozi and how it was like James Brown without the panache, Kenya and how the things he thought would never happen in his home country finally happened.
He shows you the worst side of humanity but also allows you to doubt the story fronted by everyone. For example, when he talks about individuals like Charles Taylor, Joseph Kabila, Olusegun Obasanjo, Thabo Mbeki, you see the person and not the media person. You will see men in their privacy and what their mind was behind the things they did or do.
He highlights the difference between corporate life and the "on-the-ground" life. Where some people make decisions in high-rises and others have to grapple with them on the other side of the valley.
Good news is always a "tough sell" is one of the remarks by Mbeki and he realises that the African story is not being told fully. He applauds Koinange but also insists we must be wary of those who control the news and decide what image we must see of ourselves. This point reminded me a lot about the 911 deaths and the deaths in Garissa. How American media kept away the gory images on 9-11 but showed unbelievable ones during Kenya's worst terrorist attack.
However, I guess the key phrase in this book was "No story is worth dying for". When Jeff shares the tales of his comrades lost in the pursuit of a story, you realise no story is worth dying for and that man is helplessly evil. The story highlights the plight of others however, when it costs more than the change and silver from the banks, it asks for a high price.
Jeff's courage comes out on top when he's sharing these stories.
His personal life is mentioned but not too deeply, not too close for comfort. He, however, is a man that has paid the cost in his life but thankfully has had his wonderful wife beside him through it all.
An easy read because of the many pictorials in it, Jeff's story is a good handbook for any African with a journalistic pursuit and perhaps anyone with a pursuit of the history of a more recent Africa.
It was hard to read and the start but when you soldier on, there are many lessons to pick.
It was not an intimate knowledge of Jeff, he was, however, one of the few African faces on international television, before the Isha Sesay's and Tumi Makgabo's .
"Through My African Eyes" is a journalistic-cum-personal tale of the Kenyan journalist. From the onset, however, you realise Koinange is not your usual off the mill character, given to the fact that the preface is by one of Africa's foremost statesmen, former South African president Thabo Mbeki; and the foreword is by one of Kenya's greatest authors, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o.
One of the leading chapters shares history about his lineage and how it contributed to the liberation of Kenya from colonialism. You get a feeling early on that Jeff was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and doesn't try to hide it. His life in most cases is a case of triumph to triumph regardless the little hiccups here and there. In a way, he seems to be too self-involved as you try and get through the first chapters because he's talking about his achievements in a matter-of-fact no drama kind of way.
He handles the rumours about him in such a de minimis but humble way that you soon forget about the scandalised man and follow him on his journey. They are probably rumours.
When his journalistic tale starts, you begin to enjoy the story more. His focus moves away from himself and onto other people. In truth, you realise that Jeff's time as an African storyteller brought proliferated the African story onto the international scene much more than before.
Even though many of the stories are sad stories about wars, inhumanity, rape, disaster and other unfortunate events on the continent, Africa is no longer dark in terms of being covered. (I suspect that if Jeff was around when the incidents of Burundi broke out, perhaps we'd have a different story). There is a positive side to the negative stories because most times they engage viewers and governments into a quicker response.
The rape stories are harrowing. I cannot imagine how Jeff was able to handle all the sadness from all the stories he met, especially from the women in Sierra Leone, DRC, Rwanda and Kenya. On the news, you don't understand the depth of the story as when you hear the backstory from Jeff.
The book moves well. Chronicling the places he lived in and their impact, like Nigeria and how his story about MEND created enmity between a man and a country; Jozi and how it was like James Brown without the panache, Kenya and how the things he thought would never happen in his home country finally happened.
He shows you the worst side of humanity but also allows you to doubt the story fronted by everyone. For example, when he talks about individuals like Charles Taylor, Joseph Kabila, Olusegun Obasanjo, Thabo Mbeki, you see the person and not the media person. You will see men in their privacy and what their mind was behind the things they did or do.
He highlights the difference between corporate life and the "on-the-ground" life. Where some people make decisions in high-rises and others have to grapple with them on the other side of the valley.
Good news is always a "tough sell" is one of the remarks by Mbeki and he realises that the African story is not being told fully. He applauds Koinange but also insists we must be wary of those who control the news and decide what image we must see of ourselves. This point reminded me a lot about the 911 deaths and the deaths in Garissa. How American media kept away the gory images on 9-11 but showed unbelievable ones during Kenya's worst terrorist attack.
However, I guess the key phrase in this book was "No story is worth dying for". When Jeff shares the tales of his comrades lost in the pursuit of a story, you realise no story is worth dying for and that man is helplessly evil. The story highlights the plight of others however, when it costs more than the change and silver from the banks, it asks for a high price.
Jeff's courage comes out on top when he's sharing these stories.
His personal life is mentioned but not too deeply, not too close for comfort. He, however, is a man that has paid the cost in his life but thankfully has had his wonderful wife beside him through it all.
An easy read because of the many pictorials in it, Jeff's story is a good handbook for any African with a journalistic pursuit and perhaps anyone with a pursuit of the history of a more recent Africa.
It was hard to read and the start but when you soldier on, there are many lessons to pick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2020
In amongst the biographical material, this book provides an insight into a surprisingly wide variety of historical events in Africa over the last three decades. Unfortunately, too many of these insights remain unresolved and he does rather skip from one story to another. This will be a particularly interesting book for someone with interest in journalism.
October 7, 2015
While reading this book, once or twice I shed a tear. Jeff shares his story in such a way that makes you feel as if you are part of it. I like the way he narrates his experiences. No story is worth dying for.
December 7, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this review. I spent a lovely afternoon at Jeff's house earlier this year and found him to be a joyful, thoughtful, and incredibly interesting man. I wish I had read the book before meeting him so I could ask him questions. It's written like a conversation and, because of that, I could hear his baritone voice so distinctly while reading. The life he's lived is amazing, but I think this book falls short on telling his professional career and story. I think there's room for another edition with the stories fleshed out. The things he's seen and the events he's witnessed are heartbreaking and staggering. This was a great introduction to modern African history.
April 13, 2024
This book has taken me on an extraordinary journey through various countries in Africa, including Liberia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among others. Each page vividly portrays the rich diversity and cultural tapestry of the continent. It's one of those rare gems that leaves you yearning for more, wishing it had more pages to explore. Truly a captivating read! Deserves a 10/10 rating 🙌🙌.
September 3, 2015
Funny and had very provoking interesting stories. Makes you feel like travelling throughout Africa.
June 23, 2019
Kazi safi sana by koinange jeff
May 17, 2026
A riveting and richly personal account of Jeff's early life and career, from his upbringing, school days, and how he got into and flourished in journalism. The main shock for me was when I read he was first a flight attendant. Didn't see that one coming! The timeline doesn't flow smoothly towards the end, which was a downside. But all in all, loved the book! Wish he could write about his time since he moved back to Kenya and got back to the news industry.
August 30, 2019
A good read and an exciting journey from the author's childhood through his adulthood. Now I know him better!
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed the book. Jeff Koinange tells of his journey from his days as a child to him being an internationally acclaimed journalist. The book is a page turner.
October 16, 2021
As I read this book, at the back of my mind was his unique baritone voice, and the line, ‘Oh my!’ And I couldn’t wait to read his experiences. And I was not disappointed. Right from his young life to journalism career. Some parts of the autograph are very funny, like his father’s (Fred) dalliances. Others are moving as well as inspiring, like his and Shaila’s journey to parenthood.
Jeff may have attended an elite school, but every school back then had a Drani, Tianga or even a Franco. His narration of passage of life at the St. Mary’s was interesting, with relatable kind of anecdotes for any high school student.
Jeff’s perception of Africa through his experiences are quite rich. Some of his experiences are memorable and pleasant, like his interactions with Clinton and Mandela. However, the West Africa experiences are chilling and tragic. I was especially saddened by the actions of the Small Boys Unit of Sierra Leone.
As he usually ends, ‘no story is worth dying for’.
Jeff may have attended an elite school, but every school back then had a Drani, Tianga or even a Franco. His narration of passage of life at the St. Mary’s was interesting, with relatable kind of anecdotes for any high school student.
Jeff’s perception of Africa through his experiences are quite rich. Some of his experiences are memorable and pleasant, like his interactions with Clinton and Mandela. However, the West Africa experiences are chilling and tragic. I was especially saddened by the actions of the Small Boys Unit of Sierra Leone.
As he usually ends, ‘no story is worth dying for’.
July 14, 2023
The best book I have ever read so far.
Read
June 9, 2024Bringing us an African narrative in an African way...and bytheway who is Africa?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
I love it💚💚💚
April 19, 2025
Amazing, as vast experiences and outlook into the continent. It is not heavily wordy
February 26, 2017
Fascinating account, a little choppy but worth reading for his perspectives on the political developments across the continent.
March 20, 2015
Good read with an african context. I thought of the chapters were a bit light in content.
July 17, 2015
Great Men are made of these, experiences and audacity. Something that our good friend has clearly brought out in this interesting book.
October 17, 2015
African depth and breadth,
African sage and scholar,
African hate and resentment,
African empathy and soul,
African hope and pipe dream...
i loved it.
African sage and scholar,
African hate and resentment,
African empathy and soul,
African hope and pipe dream...
i loved it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews