By ERIC SINDABI

Among the 3000 volumes of James Foster Collection at Egerton University Library, “I dreamt of Africa” by Kuki Gallmann, is a spine binding tale of unending inspiration, adventures and tragedies, all interwoven in an emotional account that leaves a reader in amazement

Kuki Gallmann's "I dreamt of Africa" book (left) is seen among other James Foster Collection books on display at the University Main Library,Njoro Campus./Eric Sindabi.

The book is all about the life of Kuki Gallmann who at an early age back in her native town of Veneto in Italy nurtured the imagination of Africa’s beauty and mystic tales, only for her dream to turn true after a life altering road accident one evening while at a night out. Crippled and traumatized from the accident, Kuki finds herself in Africa-the land of her dreams and she falls in love with her at first encounter. While quoting Beryl Markham in west with the wind, Kuki   says that she learnt what every dreaming child needs to know –that no horizon is so far, you cannot get it or beyond it!

Kuki, now divorced, with her young son Emanuele, and Paolo her new partner who is widowed, soon build a paradise in the untamed highlands of Laikipia in Kenya’s Rift valley teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes from where the story unfolds. For the young family, it was a journey of hope and adaptation as they leave behind their comfortable homes, family and friends in Italy influenced by the allure of the raw and unpredictable African beauty. Indeed the book, in a vivid and candid chronology of events, portrays the challenges of living an adventurous life away from home, but under a backdrop of a determination to build harmony with fate, nature and the people around it.

Kuki’s life is not unfamiliar with tragedies and misfortunes, as she seems to confess that she is a believer in premonitions. The death of her husband in a grisly road accident along Mombasa - Nairobi highway is soon followed by her son’s tragic death from a venomous bite of one of his pet snakes. Both her husband and son predicted their untimely deaths while she always sensed a misfortune before it struck. She is left shattered, living the life of a young widow in a foreign land, but determined to move on with life under whatever costs.

One interesting phenomenon about Kenya that Kuki brings out clearly in the book is that the Kenyan environment, wildlife and society are diverse and unique. The evocative and lyrical prose paints vivid images of Kenya’s magical sceneries, majestic wildlife and vibrant cultures. She notes that a child born in Kenya is bound to enrich its experience of life from the cosmopolitan community of all races and ethnicity. Nevertheless, the writer boldly points out that there is an urgent need to conserve this rich heritage,. Kuki and her family for instance, apart from the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Laikipia, are fascinated by the rich culture and customs of the local indigenous communities of Pokot, Turkana, Kikuyu, Meru and Samburu people who make part of her magical African dream.

Elspeth Huxley former settler and co-author of Memories of Kenya: stories from the pioneers, incidentally also among the James Foster Collection at Egerton University Library, in her review of Kuki’s book wrote: “Her book brings so vividly the sights and smells and spirit of that part of Kenya that is always my favourite, and awakens a nostalgia I have outgrown. Written from the heart, without restraints and generous to the reader, the book adds a memorable and vivid moving volume to the literature of Kenya”.

To an average reader I dreamt of Africa is a story of fate and destiny which each one of us is entitled, but bewildered with moving descriptions of life experiences and the natural environment set in one of Kenya’s most sought after beautiful sites. To others, the book is an emotional love letter to Africa, a continent that is overwhelmingly magical but also full of challenges. Through thick and thin, adversity and diversity, Kuki’s dream of Africa is testimony that life is fragile and full of trials, but hope, endurance, resilience can make our dreams come true but not despair.

Kuki Gallmann is an award winning author, conservationist and philanthropist who together with her daughter Sveva Gallmann runs The Gallmann Memorial Foundation based in Laikipia County, as a tribute to her late husband Paolo and son Emanuele, which promotes the conservation of wildlife, environment, and education in Kenya.

 BY ERIC SINDABI

The University Library department held a training session on January 17, 2025, to introduce staff and students to the e.Library USA, an online resource initiative facilitated by the United States of America Embassy in Kenya. The event, which combined both in-person and virtual participation, targeted undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as library staff, with a total of sixty participants in attendance.

The American Spaces programme, a U.S. foreign policy initiative aims at promoting education and recreation through a range of free online resources and services to enhance academic and personal development. Participants were guided on how to register and access a wide array of materials, including academic resources such as journal articles, theses, e-books, media materials like U.S.-based magazines, newspapers, and films, as well as other informational content.

Beyond providing digital learning tools, the American Spaces programme offers additional services that extend its educational and cultural scope. These include information and guidance on studying in the United States, cultural and historical insights about the U.S., and opportunities for exchange programmes. The initiative also supports civic education on democracy, skills-building workshops, alumni engagement, and fellowship opportunities in the U.S.

“This training is part of the library’s commitment to equipping students and staff with the tools they need to access and utilize global knowledge,” said Mr.Rotich during the session.

Mr. Asutsa expressed enthusiasm of the programme’s potential of empowerment and benefits   especially its focus on free access to quality resources and educational opportunities stressing that the programme aims to bridge the gap between local academic needs and global knowledge systems. Mr.Kazungu on the other hand, noted that the collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and the Kenya National Library Services underscores the value of fostering international partnerships to enhance education and cultural ideals in Kenya.

  BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................