Makena Onjerika
@Onjerika
Followers
4,946
Following
1,624
Media
1,051
Statuses
31,717
Winner @CainePrize 2018| #FreePalestine | #Agnostic | #Feminist | #LGBTQIA + ally| #ADHD | #fictioneditor | #fictionclasses | makenaonjerika @gmail .com
nairobi
Joined May 2009
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Al Smith
• 319359 Tweets
Monsalve
• 233159 Tweets
Catholic
• 139479 Tweets
Watch SA TrueStory YouTube
• 103907 Tweets
Anton
• 87024 Tweets
Boric
• 84648 Tweets
#الهلال_الفيحاء
• 74570 Tweets
#bebekkatilleri
• 61949 Tweets
日本シリーズ
• 52801 Tweets
Andrew Garfield
• 43012 Tweets
Simon Cowell
• 36688 Tweets
Ginés
• 31334 Tweets
Jesus is Lord
• 30889 Tweets
AFFAIR HAPPY ENDING
• 26387 Tweets
Amelia
• 19449 Tweets
TXT OUR STARRY KNIGHTS
• 17447 Tweets
#الاهلي_الخليج
• 16866 Tweets
Tyrus
• 11072 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
#LoveNextDoor
touches all the right heartstrings. Definitely one for the
#kdrama
starter pack.
#JungHaein
and
#JungSomin
were exactly the right actors for this story. They have similar facial structures and very expressive eyes. Must confess that at first, BaeSeokryu's lack...
1
0
5
Say it louder for the people at the back. We need a country where our institutions are so strong, it doesn't matter who is in office, Kenya still works for Kenyans.
Okiya Omtatah will NOT save you even if he becomes president. Only independent, high quality & functional INSTITUTIONS will.
391
2K
5K
118
2K
4K
I didn't read even 10 books in 2023. I didn't eat healthy. I didn't exercise. I didn't get good sleep. I didn't end up with the person I thought was the one (finally). I didn't take those swimming lessons or finish that coursera...
30
475
3K
Keyboard warriors, hashtags ndio hizi. Type them out in full. Retweet like your life depends on it. Use all three. Encourage people to use all three. Quote tweet with all three. Keep the movement FOCUSED.
#RejectFinanceBill2024
#RutoMustGo
#RecallKenyanMPs
88
3K
2K
Someone please name one thing Kenyans have gained since Ruto came into office. Coz it seems like all we are doing is losing every single thing include stuff we didn't even know we had.
68
458
2K
You know, what lots of us in Kenya are feeling is a deep grief. Nothing work, nothing has worked for 60 years, nothing looks like it will ever work. Apparently, our role is to just accept whatever we get, never to expect better things from ourselves. NAAH, THIS CAN'T BE IT!
10
1K
1K
Whoever wins this presidency, congrats. I will STILL be a regular complainer until we have free, high quality education and healthcare for all, real value for our taxes, well thought-out and sustainable development projects, a great respect of the Law, Laws that are humane e.t.c
19
397
1K
Dear Kenyans. 876,416 kids took the
#KCSE2022
. Only 173,345 of them attained the passing grade of C+ and above. Do we realize that this is a 19.8% pass rate? Do we further realize that the KCSE is actually a basic exam testing the most basic of concepts a child... 1/n
46
584
1K
In fact, I did my bare minimum: went to work, paid the bills, mothered my child, learned the same old lessons from the same stupid mistakes, read and reposted poems, breathed, and held it together.
In 2024 may I have more energy and sleep like death. Happy New Year all!
10
91
1K
My mum is headed into her 60s and has spent most of her life working. I would like to help her diversify her life, find new hobbies (but not body intense stuff) and make more friends. What are you (if in the 50s/60s) or your parents doing that is not work or church? RT please.
67
221
596
certification. I didn't throw the parties I wanted to throw. I hardly wrote. I hardly published. I didn't see my friends much or make new ones. I skipped my therapy sessions, slept too much and watched too much TV. I didn't have hobbies. I didn't work on my bad habits.
1
50
539
Ukiona
#March2Parliament
kama mkenya, finyaaaa! All autocrats must fall.
Oh, and
#Rutomustgo
1
587
484
I've come to the realization that many of us Kenyans didn't have the advantageous of growing up with financially savvy parents who passed on some wisdom. So here is my
#personalfinance
thread.
1. The best time to start was 20 years ago. The second best time is now... 1/n
10
164
409
My dad kept his coins for himself. My mum raised bro and I with tears and blood, while also being paid less for the same work as her male colleagues. Guess which of them was standing in the limelight when I received the 2018 Caine Prize? Yeah.
Kama unatumia baby mama pesa mingi juu ya mtoto mmoja, just default payments za iyo mwezi, enda ocha take all the kids of your cousins, lipa 1k kwa fees zao and wait for the woman to take you to the children's office again. When you are summoned, show up with all those kids..
65
373
1K
13
73
373
Tom Mboya was no Kenyan hero. An ambitious, audacious young man, yes, but a traitor to Kenya. He enabled the Kenyatta and then Moi dictatorships. All as revenge against Jaramogi Odinga. Ironic that 6 decades later, Raila Odinga has played the same role for Ruto.
22
160
374
Novels published by Kenyans between 2000 and 2020. Help me build a comprehensive catalogue because I believe they are at least 100. Here are the ones I know:
1. Dust and Dragonfly Sea by Yvonne Awuor
2. Dance of Jakaranda by Peter Kimani
Thread...
27
171
357
Kenyans, jameni, here is free advice if you are a
#jobseeker
. The basics of basics on how to apply for jobs.
#ikokaziKE
.
1. At least, read the job vacancy before you apply. If nothing else, know the title of the job you are applying for and use it on your subject line... 1/n
8
126
300
You know the most ridiculous thing about life? You get to a point where you think, this is the end. I will never feel love, hope, happiness, or giggle or guffaw e.t.c. and then, some days later the sun comes out and you are back to feeling just fine and getting into new messes.
10
75
303
Message to Tony Mochama and Dr. Tom Odhiambo: SIT DOWN.
"Makena Onjerika’s Caine winning prize story Fanta Black Currant in 2018 was first workshopped at AMKA, but she never returned since Caine to mentor others". Let's unpack the lies please...
13
108
239
Kenya writers, I want your sci fi, fantasy, surrealism, magical realism e.t.c for Yajayo: an anthology of Kenyan speculative fiction. Theme: Kenyan futures. Pay: 2/- per word. 2000-5000 words. Deadline: January 20th 2024. See deets here: And tell a writer.
9
211
235
Would any FEMALE software developer here be interested in a work-for-housing exchange? I am looking to build a business website that is a bit complex, but I don't have cashflow this year. What I have is a furnished ensuite SQ in an apartment at Valley Arcade, Lavington.
11
235
219
In summary, men of Kenya, as you consume "wisdom" on how to evade your responsibilities, remember the kids you are denying your pennies (because punishing their mothers is so cool) will grow up one way or the other and then they will have their turn at not needing your pennies.
2
48
214
Just received news that my
@CainePrize
story "Fanta Blackcurrant" has been translated into four languages spoken in Mozambique: Portuguese, Macau, Sena and Changana. Here is the link:
I give translation rights to this story at no fee, so...
8
45
210
I have done badly in my romantic engagements so far. My excuse: I was growing up and growing up is hard work bana. 🤭
I'd like the universe to take into consideration my recent improvements and give me chances 🙏. I really do like being in-love and dreamy-eyed e.t.c. 🥹🥹
5
46
193
So, sometimes an African, and mostly Kenyan, writer gets into my DM and asks for help finding an agent. I don't have an agent myself.😂😂😂 But, I thought I should take a moment to explain this publishing business... So Retweet to your how-do-I publish friends or ask questions...
6
120
188
Dear Kenya. Listen, exam cheating has never been the key problem with our education system... A thread...
13
155
181
🤣🤣🤣 A man comes into your life and tells you to harm your child by destroying her relationship with her very present dad because said man's ego cannot handle co-parenting and then Kenyans accuse you of being hang up on the baby daddy?
@Wordslinger__
come see this one.
15
21
185
Beloveds, I am saying this because it's saved lives before:
Antidepressants (ADs) are medicines like any other. If depressed, walk into a psychiarist's office and ask for some. You don't have to try everything else first. Your brain is trying to kill you and won't stop...
1/
8
79
169
should understand in order to be a productive member of our society? Do we realize that the pass rate has not been higher than 30% in decades? Do we see that this means that we have been undereducating 70-80% of our population for decades? 2/n
3
61
165
For those thinking of applying for an MFA in the USA, now is a good time to start. Resharing my guide on the topic.
8
91
154
Made it to the shortlist. Happy me... I get published at list. Congratulations to everyone on the list.
We are delighted to introduce the 20 writers & stories on this year's Bristol Short Story Prize shortlist. Huge congratulations to them and enormous thanks to our amazing judges:
@anneliesemack
, Billy Kahora,
@SharLovegrove
and Tom Robinson
9
27
102
27
29
145
Realizing that there are adult Kenyans who did not live through saba-saba and the other maandamano and that their perspective of current events, their history, is radically different from mine. That gave me pause!!
11
51
142
Do we see the problem here or understand that our pass rate should be 60+% because the only real resource we have in this country is people and every person who is not adequately equipped to understand the working of life or innovate is a person we have probably...3/n
1
40
135
Won the 2018 Caine Prize for African Writing. Published stories in 14 lit mags including . Shortlisted for the Bristol Prize and a NOMMO award. Teaching short fiction writing online & have 2 slots open in a class starting on 12 Jan. Whatsapp +254725542731.
This year, remind people how great you are.
Blow your trumpet o! Shout it! No dey form humble. Scream your exploits.
215
2K
7K
4
34
134
A man who moans when I hit the spot makes me proud, engaged and turned on extra extra. I double down to get more squeaks and moans, till he loses control. Sexy as hell. Then I get my turn and I singggg. Consensual sex is a gift from the gods. Msidanganyike!!!
12
19
130
@nyabinghidread
I like these kids a lot. As a child I was a shadow. Spent most of my energy on avoiding being slapped for my feelings.
4
2
117
ACCEPTANCE at a dream lit mag!!! People trying make me super happy before 7am. This is the 6th piece of my novel-in-short stories to get published. 💃💃💃💃💃
8
10
121
Apply for a full scholarship to attend Carey Baraka's Introduction to Writing Creative Non-fiction or tell someone about this great opportunity
3
87
116
20 yrs ago, when I self published "The Mystery of the Twin Webs", an American teacher found me online and mailed me this book from her library. She tried to teach me how to write. Without her, so much wouldn't have happened for me, but I was too stupid to appreciate her effort.
4
8
114
unable to grasp photosynthesis OR are you, Mr. Government, not actually doing your job'.
Dear Kenyans, something has to change. We need to start re-examining some of these our beliefs. They are not helping us.
Thank you for attending my
#TedTalk
. Ni hayo tu kwa sasa.../n
1
30
110
Second acceptance of the year 💃💃💃 at one of my big dream magazine
17
3
107
Coz y'all be posting them achievements of 2021, here is mine... My best selfie of the year!!! See how I am smiling with the eyes and the hair is deliciously wavy. 😇😇😇
6
4
108
Who else has already lived a whole year or two since 1st Jan 2024?
12
27
109
Did you know I do developmental editing for short fiction? 2 stories I worked on are on the .
@Lolwe_
nomination list for the .
@CainePrize
. So hire me or RT to let a writer in your circle know.
#WritingCommunity
1
64
103
relegated to a life of low productivity? And that this, along with corruption, is a key reason that we as a country are not getting anywhere fast? That a country looking to leapfrog development would be aiming for at least a 60% pass rate and would structure its education ...4/n
1
33
98
LGBTQIA+ persons are flesh and blood. Human beings. Just different from what our societies think is normal. They don't deserve death, persecution, discrimination, sneers, stares, and gossip. Can't we just make room for our brothers, sisters and others? What is it we fear?
4
39
94
Sometimes you just pity men. What a sad brain to be walking around with? And the only one he has, aki? Nimemhurumia.
0
20
92
If you have wanted to take my Introduction to Short Story Writing class, here is your chance. Only time I will teach it this year.
Please fill the request form via the link below and I will email the syllabus to you
#WritingCommunity
1
60
88
You? Have you seen Cullen's body? Have you?
Me, I refuse to live in the same country as these torturers, these animals.
#RutoMustGo
1
75
88
Just got some really good news: TWO FULL SCHOLARSHIPS from some generous anonymous donors are now available for Kenyan writers.
Request details on how to apply for these scholarships here: or tell a writer who wants to attend but can't pay
#WritingCommunity
I am teaching a new session of my very comprehensive, online "Introduction to Short Story Writing" Class Jan-May 2024. 10, 2.5 hour sessions over 19 weeks. Covering
-Characterization
-Character Interiority...1/2
3
9
15
1
77
86
Kenyan writers, submit your sci fi, fantasy, surrealism, magical realism e.t.c for Yajayo: an anthology of Kenyan speculative fiction. Theme: Kenyan futures. Pay: 2/- per word. 2000-5000 words. Deadline: Jan 20th 2024. See deets here:
1
95
88
Got questions
@HisaApp
. 1. So I buy Vanguard EFTs through you. What happens to my stock if you seize to exist in say 5 years from now? 2. Do the issuers on your app recognize you as a brokerage firm? 3. How do your charges work and do investors pay both USA and Kenya tax?
5
23
87
that is keen to tell us every year about how it curbed cheating with guns in schools, is the same guy responsible for educating this failing 80% and that KCSE is to basic a learning threshold for us to not ask, and vehemently, 'Are 80% of brains in this country... 6/n
1
28
81
I have been thinking of editing and publishing an anthology of Kenyan speculative fiction for several years now. I am finally just doing it. Paying Kes 1 per word. 2000-5000 words. Deadline: Dec 19th 2023. Make your submission here: . Tell someone.
4
63
84
I see we have not added evangelical churches to the list of daytime and nighttime noisemakers. They are the WORST!! If you buy a home next to one of these joints, you will know fire.
5
15
81
Award winning writer with a degree in Economics, Market researcher extraordinaire, business powerwoman in... (Gasp)... dreadlocks. And looking hella hot too. Just for the many levels of small-mindness in this tweet and the homophobia, this mans should go home. Idiot. Mschew.
2
6
79
have real incentives for excluding as many citizens from higher levels of education as possible.
1. Fewer citizens who are educated enough to vote critically
2. Lower demand for the creation of formal jobs and therefore lower pressure on the govt. to ensure economic development
1
23
79
Young Kenyan job seekers... A thread on DON'Ts, following my week evaluating job applications at VeryGoodCVs ... I guess no one is telling you these things... So here you go... I welcome other hiring managers to add to these, please...
#IkoKaziKE
1
40
80
Was feeling rather down this evening because some part of life is not going well. Had to go do monthly shopping which I dread because wueeh si Kenya inatuchapa viboko. That's when nice things started happening. 1. Prices of commodities have dropped a little since last month...
4
1
77
Sometimes I regret how I have lived the last 10-15 years of my life. I wish I'd been more adventurous but also focused in my 20s and early 30s. Then I look back and see that I couldn't have made any better or even different choices. I did what I could with who I was then.
2
9
76
Contract signed. I can announce that my missing dad, creepy old woman story "In the Forest of Talking Animals" will appear in an upcoming issue of
@thedeadlands
💃💃💃💃💃💃
At acceptance, people. At a pro-market zine. For my speculative fiction. After so much rejection and thus doubt that I killed my writing the whole of 2022😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
11
4
56
6
6
73
I have a new story out on Oct 19th
@thedeadlands
. Massively excited!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉. Watch this space.
7
10
71
Kenya, I this economy makes thinking hard. Let me help us. When a man and woman break up, sure there is another side. When a parent refuses to feed, clothe, educate, house their child, there is no other side, just one very failed parent. Own your selfishness na kifua!
1
15
68
They are trying to be positive in the face of the worst news they could receive. And they are doing the work of helping others realize that they can get medicated, undetectable, and live long lives. Are you angry because they are gender non-conforming, unashamed or just younger?
Bro thinks HIV is cute and makes him unique. Gen Z is so confused. WTF
1K
679
5K
2
16
66
OMG!!! Every single person on this list is a fav. This is amazing!!!! Congratulations 2023 Morland Writing Scholars
1
10
66
Food, water, housing, healthcare, education, and gainful employment for every Kenyan is not a radical demand. We are a country that loses trillions to corruption, bana. We are not poor.
0
90
65
I am looking for a remote paid position in publishing or editing. Not sure where to start. Please advise. Or let me know if you have something I can apply for.
Retweet please. My employer maybe on your timeline. Shukran.
3
118
62
Intermission: shout out to the peps at the Oxbelly Writers' Retreat at Costa Navarino in Greece. What an insane treat. What great company. I learnt a lot and ate so much good food. Lord! African writers, you better apply for this thing in 2025.
1
10
66
African writers (citizens of former British colonies 😶) with novels in the works, apply for this. Deadline on July 1st.
4
109
65
So pleased to announce that
@Jahazipress
is generously offering 1 full scholarship to support a Kenyan writer of merit who wants to attend my class.
Interested? Please request the full syllabus here to find out how to apply: .
3
35
64
Yesterday, I stumbled upon the artist who will design the covers and chapter start images of my future, yet-to-be written books. Onkoba!!!
find him on facebook or instagram as theartkiosk. And he does seriously work out of the most unassuming kiosk ever.
3
17
63
For context. Mum raised two kids on her own between 22 and 45. She didn't get to do them fun things and friends fled when dad left (you know how married ladies sometimes avoid unmarried ones). So this is me trying to help her make new friends and discover new things.
3
3
61
They are back!!
20K for copyright!!! As in they can do anything with the work during author's lifetime PLUS 50-70 years after. Including resell rights to whomever, whenever they decided to no longer do this campaign. Yikes!!
@aleyakassam
Mmhhhhhh.
4
66
64
Everyday I think of quitting my job to become a full time writer. Everyday I remember I am an adult with bills.
13
5
64
Meanwhile, can all you young people in Kenya please do me a favour and watch "Get Smart with Money" and " How to Get Rich" on Netflix because I wish I were you watching those two shows now? Because I'd have been so f*** rich at 36. 😭😭😭
#lamentsofanelder
3
14
64
I don't know who needs to hear this, but can we please finish those Kenyan novels this year ?
#ThursdayThoughts
#uchokozi
8
2
61
Depression is carrying sadness that does not belong to you. Sadness you can't bargain with. Sadness that doesn't mean anything.
2
17
61
I met
@BinyavangaW
when I was 17. He took me seriously when I could not string together a sentence. He was that kind of kind. Got me invited to the
@CainePrize
retreat that year. Basically got me into college too. 1/2
1
15
60
Use the link below to access
#KCSEResults
database 2009-2022. I also added a column showing the % if everyone who can join
#TVET
is include i.e. C- and up (although some sources say should be D and above). The passrate is still under 50%. (may have errors)
1
26
61
Since I started teaching fiction writing in 2018, quite a few African writers have expressed disappointment over not being able to join the Nairobi-based classes. So here finally is my first online-built class just for you.
5
48
60
You write and write, pour out your whole soul, sweat blood, fill page after page, then word count says, "Congrats, that was 198 words". 🤣🤣🤣
2
13
61
MFA season is almost closing. African writers thinking of applying apply please. Get that money, go seek out more opportunities.
Here is my free guide on how to apply for the MFA:
5
38
60
We will not sanitize anyone. This is what I have been wondering. Do MPs think they live in another country?
Listen Keter, we are happy you're out and all, but couple of years ago, it was you threatening police for not letting your 'cargo' through.
Reminding them you are the government and have access to State House.
Create systems that protect you even when powerless
61
2K
3K
0
52
57
A retweet, pretty please. 🙏🙏
#WritingCommunity
and people who know short story writers.
Need to pay for a
@WTalabi
class
@Lolwe_
🤞 and other unnecessary stuff that I just want 🤣.
1
91
59
Kenyan writers, submit your sci fi, fantasy, surrealism, magical realism e.t.c for Yajayo: an anthology of Kenyan speculative fiction. Theme: Kenyan futures. Pay: 2/- per word. 2000-5000 words. Deadline: Jan 20th 2024. See deets here:
1
45
59
Maybe it's because I was raised by a single mum, but a man's spending money on me is uncomfortable. It's flattering, yes, but I really don't want to receive more than I can give. I don't want someone else to be the main reason my life moves a level up. Feels wrong and dangerous.
3
4
56
The rows I have highlighted show the handover between Kaimenyi and Matiang'i. The latter was so obsessed (from my view) with the eradication of cheating that during his tenure, he significantly (and I believe, artificially) depressed the passrate...
2
17
56
We are in print. Wouldn't it be great to partner with bookshops and printers all over Africa to get books anywhere minus import fees?
3
19
56
At acceptance, people. At a pro-market zine. For my speculative fiction. After so much rejection and thus doubt that I killed my writing the whole of 2022😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
11
4
56