National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has mourned Veteran Publisher Henry Chakava.
Chakava passed on Friday at 5 am while undergoing treatment in hospital. He died aged 77.
"I join the rest of the country in expressing my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Veteran Publisher Henry Chakava who passed on early Friday morning," Wetang'ula said.
Wetang'ula said Chakava will be fondly remembered for his contribution to the Publishing industry "having been one of the pioneer Publishers that took the industry that had been dominated by foreigners by storm."
"He is the doyen of our literature development through publishing. I have had the pleasure of knowing him since my undergraduate days at the University of Nairobi. He leaves an indelible mark on the literary platform," he added.
Chakava's death was announced by East African Educational Publishers Limited (EAEP).
"It is with profound shock and sadness that the Board and Management of EAEP, in consultation with the family wishes to announce the death of Dr Henry Chakava," the statement reads.
Chakava leaves behind a legacy as the father of book publishing in Africa.
He will be remembered for steering the acquisition of the British multinational, Heinemann (East Africa), and transforming it into East African Educational Publishers.
His impact on literature in Africa is immeasurable, having played a pivotal role in the publishing of iconic literary figures such as Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Grace Ogot, Chinua Achebe, Francis Imbuga and John Kiriamiti.
Others are Meja Mwangi, Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye, Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Taban lo Liyong, Okot P'Bitek, John Ruganda, David Rubadiri, and Peter Abrahams among others.
Chakava was born in Vokoli in Vihiga county.
He began his career after completing his studies in literature and philosophy in 1972.