East African Educational Publishers Limited (EAEP) has announced the death of its founder and chairman Henry Chakava.
In a statement, the publisher said Chakava passed on Friday at 5 am while undergoing treatment in hospital.
He died aged 77.
"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.
He was an editor and subsequently chief editor in Nairobi of the international publishing house Heinemann Educational Publishers.