By Jabali Digital
23-year-old Sophina Fauzia Asman has launched her first book, marking a major leap forward in her promising writing journey.
The children’s book titled “Zuri’s Gentle Heat,” seeks to promote kindness and empathy in society as she focuses on becoming a well-established children’s author in the coming years.
Speaking during the book launch at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in Kisumu on Friday, December 19, 2025, the young author who doubles up as a medical student at MedPrime College in Kisumu pursuing a course in perioperative theatre technology, said she is happy that finally, her book is available on book shelves.
“It is a dream come true,” she said.
She urged budding writers to “just start,” adding that “opportunities will find them along the way.”
The book, targeting grade 1-4 learners, is available in hard copy and online via Amazon.com, trading at Sh200.
Speaking during the event, Michael Okeyo from Kisumu County’s department of Early Childhood Education Development (ECDE) congratulated Sophina for the achievement, noting that “it is never easy to publish a book.”
“When we were growing up, only serious scholars were writing and publishing book,” he added.
Okeyo said they will walk with Sophina, to ensure her book receives the publicity and marketing it deserves.
“As a county, we are trying to promote a reading culture that is quickly fading away. At our department, we provide learning materials for young learners. In the next financial year, we will request for this book,” said Okeyo.
The county, he added, is in charge of over 600 ECDE centres, indicating that they will invite the budding writer to speak to children and their parents, creating an avenue for her to promote the book.
In response, Sophina welcomed the gesture with a broad smile. “I feel relieved,” she said. “Marketing the book was starting to feel like a burden. I feel blessed.”
The book was published by Emmanuel Juma Mzungu, a Kisumu based journalist and media business proprietor under the Zemma Media Services Limited stable.
At the same venue, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Executive Director Dr. Oduor Ong’wen also launched his book titled “Un-taming the pen.”
