Rebeka Njau (née Nyanjega; born 15 December 1932) is a Kenyan educator, playwright, novelist, short‑story writer, and textile artist. She is widely recognised as Kenya’s first female playwright and a pioneering figure in the representation of African women in literature.
Early life and education
Njau was born in the village of Kanyariri in Kiambu County, north‑west of Nairobi, to a Christian family. She attended primary school in Kenya before proceeding to Makerere University College in Uganda, where she earned a teaching diploma. After completing her studies, she returned to Kenya and taught at Alliance Girls High School, later serving as director of information and education for the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and as editor of the NCCK’s newsletter Target.
Literary career
Njau began publishing under her own name and the pseudonym “Marina Gashe.” Her first play, The Scar (1965), marked the debut of a Kenyan woman playwright and explored themes of cultural conflict and gender roles. She continued to write for the stage, including The Hypocrite (1972). In 1975, she published the novel Ripples in the Pool, which received renewed attention with a 2024 reissue by Bloomsbury Publishing. A collection of short stories, The Hypocrite and Other Stories (1977), further established her reputation for addressing social issues affecting Kenyan women.
Other contributions
Beyond writing, Njau has been active in education and the arts. She founded Nairobi Girls’ School, contributed to textile art exhibitions, and participated in community development projects through NCCK. Her work has been featured in anthologies of African literature and discussed in academic studies of post‑colonial Kenyan writing.
Recognition and legacy
Njua’s pioneering role as Kenya’s first recognized female playwright has been acknowledged in scholarly literature and cultural institutions. She is cited in reference works such as Encyclopedia.com and has been profiled by organizations highlighting African women artists. Her literary output is regarded as an early and influential contribution to the visibility of African women’s experiences in modern Kenyan literature.
Selected works
- The Scar (play, 1965)
- The Hypocrite (play, 1972)
- Ripples in the Pool (novel, 1975)
- The Hypocrite and Other Stories (short‑story collection, 1977)
Personal life
Njau married and has two children. She continues to reside in Kenya, where she remains engaged in cultural and educational initiatives.