A medic and scholar, Dr Bundi Karau has urged students and professionals to embrace reading and storytelling as a powerful tool for shaping destinies.
Speaking during the launch of his memoir Escort‑in‑Chief: Through the Eyes of a Physician at Kenya Methodist University, Karau described books as “living things” that transform lives, noting that his work targets medical students, doctors and the wider public.
He said storytelling remains essential in inspiring purpose, resilience and empathy in both life and medical practice.
Karau reflected on how literature has historically influenced career choices among young Africans, citing the impact of Ben Carson, whose writings inspired a generation of students in the late 1990s to pursue medicine—often without fully understanding the demands of specialised fields like neurosurgery.
He said Carson’s journey from poverty to global recognition gave hope to many children growing up during economically difficult times.
Drawing from his own experience, Karau credited books such as “The River and the Source” by Margaret Ogola for shaping his ambitions.
He recounted how the novel inspired him during his secondary school years, when prospects of excelling in the 2002 KCSE appeared bleak, eventually motivating him to pursue medicine.
“Books plant dreams that can outlive circumstances,” he said, adding that his memoir seeks to ignite similar aspirations among young readers.
The Associate Dean at KeMU’s School of Medicine also challenged aspiring writers to overcome fear and perfectionism, noting that while many people desire to write, only a few actually publish.
He warned that failure to adapt and innovate could lead to stagnation, particularly in a rapidly evolving health landscape marked by longer lifespans but increased stress and lifestyle diseases.
Karau further emphasised that medicine is not only a science but also a human-centred profession.
“We do not always have the power to cure, but we are called to accompany patients through uncertainty, balancing science with empathy,” he said.
The book was officially launched by Prof. Rose Kosgei, representing Prof. Fredrick Were of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
Kosgei described the memoir as inspiring and relatable, recalling her own upbringing in rural Keiyo, where access to resources was limited.
She said books played a critical role in expanding her worldview, narrating how she would read while herding cattle as a child.
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Were said the book goes beyond clinical practice to capture the emotional realities of medicine, stressing that “technical excellence without empathy is incomplete.”
He encouraged students to adopt the memoir as a practical guide in navigating the profession.
KeMU Vice Chancellor Prof. John Kobia Ataya lauded Karau’s work, urging medical students to approach their training with discipline and resilience.
He cautioned against complacency, noting that the demands of medical education require seriousness and commitment.
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The event drew university leadership, faculty, students and stakeholders from across the health sector, with Karau expressing particular satisfaction at the large number of young learners in attendance.
He said reaching students at an early stage could redirect lives and inspire future professionals.
Karau announced that the book is available at his Meru-based Oregon Health Services office and at Nuria Bookstore outlets nationwide, with delivery options across the country.
By John Majau
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