Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English author, once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Try to imagine how the world would have looked like now if intellectuals with sharp writing skills and ideas didn't exist.
The state of the world, of course, would have been dire.
Records of events that once unfolded some years back would not have existed.
News stories, books, novels, magazines, newspapers, poems and many things that we enjoy reading every day wouldn't have been there too.
But all these exist because of the well-informed, educated and talented writers we have in the world.
Many have been equipped with requisite skills which help them serve readers with trusted content.
Their happiness and goal is to inform and get readers attention, emotions, opinions, feelings and resolutions towards what has been written.
Having prolific writers in this world has served us good.
Kenya, being one of the countries in the world with blessed writers, has gained massive benefits from the roles played by them.
After independence, Kenyans were fully guaranteed freedom.
They were allowed to do whatever best suited them.
Through letters, documentaries, books and superb news stories they published in newspapers, magazines and the internet, helped in identifying and solving societal problems.
They acted as torchbearers by illuminating all the dark areas of concern.
Not only did they address disturbing issues in society but also presented possible solutions or recommendations.
Up to date, the undying spirit found within writers is still active.
They play another greater role in educating society.
This starts from health matters, politics, revision of the constitution and laws of a particular country, status of the economy and so on.
Most readers in Kenya usually get an insight into all these through newspapers, magazines, books and news websites.
Writers also tame and mend society, through controversial issues discussed by well-educated and dedicated writers, a responsible society is being raised.
Readers are in a position to comprehend what undermines unity, peace, development and mutual understanding among them and what best they need to do to restore peaceful coexistence in society.
The split parts are professionally mended into.
Some Kenyans have been zombified by social ills they earlier topped in.
We have been hearing corruption cases, rape and child molestation cases.
Writers have been using their cleaning agents which is their pen and ink to clean up all these.
This means that their existence comes with benefits. Any words from a writer serve as a final verdict.
What they preach through written pieces, is what readers will follow.
They have the power to manipulate the thinking and actions of people in the right direction.
We need to celebrate, honour and most importantly, accord them the respect they deserve.
By doing that, they are going to be more productive.
Communication and media student at Rongo University
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
