About Francis D. Imbuga
Lived 1947 – 2012 (aged 65). Francis D. Imbuga was a Kenyan playwright, academic, docent and writer.
His works have consistently dealt with issues such as the clashes of modernity and tradition in the social organisation of African communities. His play Betrayal in the City was Kenya's entry to FESTAC.
Education He attended Keveye Primary school and Chavakali Intermediate School. In 1963 he joined Alliance High School. Imbuga studied at the University of Nairobi where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 and a Master of Arts degree in 1975. In 1992, he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Iowa.
Career Imbuga started his career as an actor at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in 1970. He left this post in 1973 and in 1976 he became a lecturer in the Department of Educational Communication and Technology at the University of Nairobi. He later joined Kenyatta University as professor of literature, holding the posts of Dean of the Literature Department, Dean of Arts and Director of Quality Assurance. Imbuga was an honorary Fellow of the University of Iowa International Writing Programme.
Imbuga started writing plays in 1969. His play Omolo was chosen as an entry in the Kenya National School's Drama Festival finals.
Imbuga died on the night of Sunday November 18, 2012, after suffering a stroke.
Membership He was a member of the Kenya National Theatre and the International Writing Program.
Works The Fourth Trial (1972) Kisses of Fate (1972) The Married Bachelor (1973) Betrayal in the City (1976) Games of Silence (1977) The Successor (1979) Man of Kafira (1984) Aminata (1988) The Burning of the Rags (1989) Shrine of Tears (1992) Miracle of Remera (2004) The Green Cross Of Kafira (2013)
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Francis D. Imbuga's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Francis D. Imbuga?
Kenyan playwright
When was Francis D. Imbuga born?
Francis D. Imbuga was born on 2 February 1947 in Kenya, Western Province (Kenya).
When did Francis D. Imbuga die?
Francis D. Imbuga died on 18 November 2012 in Nairobi, Western Kenya.
What was Francis D. Imbuga's occupation?
Francis D. Imbuga was a playwright, academic, docent and writer.
What nationality was Francis D. Imbuga?
Francis D. Imbuga was Kenyan.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Francis D. Imbuga
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Francis D. Imbuga. https://biography.guide/francis-d-imbuga/
MLA: "Francis D. Imbuga." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/francis-d-imbuga/.
Chicago: "Francis D. Imbuga." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/francis-d-imbuga/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:01 UTC