Edward Mwasi, the CEO of the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board, stands as a shining example of the immense impact that nurturing creativity and talent in the education system can have on an individual’s life.
His remarkable journey began when he sat for the national art exam in high school as a private candidate, despite never having taken an art class.
This bold step revealed his deep passion for the subject and set him on a path that would change his life forever.
Here is his inspiring story as told by WoK.
Interest in arts
He looks back fondly on his primary school days, where arts and crafts were an integral part of the curriculum.
Although these activities were not formally assessed, they provided a fertile ground for students to explore their creative abilities.
“We used to have nature corners, or corners of interest. At the back of the classroom, we would prepare something like a shop or an art corner. During our spare time we would see children making vehicles and drawing. That time there were fewer books, they were standardised, and more practical activities,” Edward Mwasi said in an earlier interview.
In addition, inter-school competitions allowed students to showcase their artistic creations, creating a sense of excitement and camaraderie.
It was during his primary school years that Mwasi first discovered the power of art to shape his future.
In Standard Five, he earned his first income by creating handcrafts from recycled materials.
“I earned my first coin in Standard Five back in 1979 courtesy of some handcrafts of flowers I had done from recycled Kimbo (cooking fat) tins and aluminum cigarette package papers I had picked from a dustbin,” he fondly recalled.
This experience not only provided him with a sense of accomplishment but also ignited a desire to continue pursuing his artistic talents.
Drawing portraits of politicians and businessmen in Kisii town became his means of supplementing the family’s income while showcasing his exceptional artistic skills.
In high school, his artistic horizons expanded when a friend introduced him to sculpting with clay.
“I am glad to have met this friend, Gerald Olewe, and been allowed to add the unique subject to the many sciences I pursued. He used to see me drawing as a hobby and he told me it was a subject whose exams I could actually sit and pass,” he said
This newfound passion complemented his natural talent for drawing and further solidified his desire to pursue a career in the arts.
Despite receiving minimal formal instruction, Mwasi excelled in art exams, outperforming subjects he had been studying for years.
When Edward Mwasi completed his O-Levels, he faced a pivotal moment in his education.
Despite pressure from his parents and school authorities to pursue “good” courses, he stood firm in his conviction that his future lay in art.
He was accepted into Rapogi High School, where he continued to develop his artistic skills alongside his academic studies.
This determination ultimately paid off when he convinced the head teacher to allow him to pursue art at the university level.
“I had distinctions in all the science subjects and that took me to A-levels to take up maths, physics, and chemistry. Fortunately, I was able to convince the head teacher of Rapogi High School, Mr John Dache Pesa, that I could take up art because I was convinced that my future was in it,” he says.
“I stuck to this subject because I was already earning from it even before taking up a degree course. I won the battle and stuck to where my heart was. In university, sitting in a formal class for the first time, I met students from other schools who had actually been taught art from form one to six,” he says.
Attending the University of Nairobi marked a significant turning point for Mwasi.
It was his first formal art education experience, and he found himself surrounded by fellow students who had received comprehensive art instruction from an early age.
While he faced initial challenges in the theoretical aspects of the curriculum, his practical skills and natural talent set him apart.
His unique ability to infuse science into his art and design made his work stand out, catching the attention of professionals in the field.
Mwasi’s career trajectory continued to soar as he became a creative director at an advertising agency.
His innovative and imaginative approach to advertising caught the attention of Nation Media Group, leading to his recruitment as their Chief Graphics Designer.
Here, he had the opportunity to establish the newspaper graphics department, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the industry.
Today, he serves as the CEO of the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board, where he continues to inspire others and advocate for the importance of nurturing creativity and talent in education.
Edward Mwasi firmly believes that an education system, such as the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), can play a vital role in identifying and nurturing the diverse talents that exist among students.
By recognizing and rewarding innate abilities, we can unlock the full potential of individuals and pave the way for a more vibrant and prosperous society.
