Member-only story

Fred Wendo - Kenyan Screen Writer

“… it feels like I’m contributing to people’s lives by writing, so that’s why I became one.”

Arjen Westra
6 min readJun 20, 2021
Photo: © 2021 Arjen Westra

He calls himself a screenwriter and a filmmaker since 2016. He lives in Nairobi. This Kenyan sees his writing as a God given gift and: “The one thing I do best with the least effort.” Despite that, or should we say thanks to that, he has a strong motivation: “… it feels like I’m contributing to people’s lives by writing, so that’s why I became one.” Meet screenwriter/filmmaker Fred Wendo.

  • Hello Fred, how are you at the moment?

I’m fine. Doing okay. Thank you.

  • Could you introduce yourself to us?

My name is Fred Wendo. I’m a scriptwriter and filmmaker.

  • Since when do you call yourself a screenwriter and filmmaker?

I’d say since 2016. Though, I began writing way earlier than that for stage plays.

  • Are you a member of the Kenyan Scriptwriters Guild?

Yes, I am.

  • Why?

Because I wanted to be in an environment where I can learn and grow as a scriptwriter. This was the best available option, so I joined.

  • Are there any benefits?

Yes, there are: you get to interact with more experienced and recognised writers. This helps you grow and improve yourself as a writer. Various aspects of filmmaking also come up during discussions. It’s the best place to be if you desire growth and improvement as a writer and creative person.

Passion/urge to write

  • Why are you writing screenplays?
  1. It’s a God given gift. The one thing I do best with the least effort.
  2. It’s a form of expression where I can write that which is difficult to say.
  • Can you identify what influenced you in becoming a writer?

Writing stage plays for the church would be it. People would approach me later and tell me what I wrote impacted them in one way or another. I guess it feels like I’m contributing to people’s lives by writing, so that’s why I became one.

  • Do you believe you are

--

--

Arjen Westra
Arjen Westra

Written by Arjen Westra

Arjen Westra has been publishing for more than 25 years and lives in Nairobi, Kenya with his family. Contact me here: https://mailchi.mp/8819341a084f/zs9vldifz5

No responses yet

Write a response