Before Najaat Mote became an author, she was a young girl searching for answers—about life, about herself, and about the battles she never expected to fight. Writing was her escape, a place where pain turned into prose and uncertainty became clarity. What started as personal reflections eventually became Chronicles Of Discovery , a book that not only tells her story but speaks to anyone who has ever faced hardship and questioned their purpose.
Speaking to this writer, Najaat shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling.
For Najaat Mote, writing was never just a hobby—it was a lifeline, a quiet sanctuary where she could make sense of the world. Born and raised in Lamu, she later moved to Mombasa for high school, a transition that would unknowingly shape her path toward self-discovery. Through challenges and moments of transformation, she found herself drawn to one unshakable truth: words had the power to heal, inspire, and ignite change.
Her education played a major role in shaping her love for storytelling. After attending Waa Girls High School and later Sacred Heart High School, she pursued a diploma at Mombasa Aviation College. What fascinated her most was the power of communication—how words could shape opinions, spark emotions, and bridge gaps between people. Through her studies, she realized storytelling wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a tool for truth, connection, and change. This passion led her to mass communication and journalism, a field where she could amplify voices, uncover hidden truths, and craft narratives that matter.
Even as a child, Najaat was a quiet observer, fascinated by the complexity of human emotions. Writing became her way of processing life, a deeply personal act of expression. But at the time, she never imagined it would become her purpose. She was simply a girl searching for understanding, only to realize that in crafting stories, she was also crafting her own identity.
Her dream had always been to become a journalist, but along the way, she discovered something deeper. She didn’t just want to tell stories—she wanted to create them. That realization came during one of the hardest chapters of her life. Battling a chronic illness, she was overwhelmed by questions: Why me? What’s my purpose? How do I live with this? At first, she wrote them down for herself, thinking she would find the answers later. But as time passed, she realized those questions weren’t just hers—they belonged to so many others.
That was the moment Chronicles of Discovery was born. More than just a novel, it became a journey of pain, healing, and self-discovery. Through her protagonist, Harper, she transformed personal hardship into a story that others could connect with. What started as an escape became something much bigger—a story that needed to be shared.
Writing the book took nine to ten months, but the real challenge wasn’t just in putting words on paper—it was in confronting her own truths. “Some questions were too painful to face, but I had to,” she admits. Before she could share her story with the world, she needed to understand it herself.
Another major hurdle was publishing. Even after completing the book, finding a publishing company that truly grasped its depth proved difficult. “Even now, I haven’t found one that fully understands my book, but that won’t stop me. I believe my work will find its rightful place,” she says with conviction. Her journey, much like the one she writes about, is one of resilience and unwavering belief in her purpose.
After months of struggle, reflection, and dedication, the moment finally arrived—her book was complete. Holding Chronicles of Discovery in her hands for the first time was unlike anything she had ever experienced. “It was surreal. Holding my book felt like holding my heart outside of my body,” she says. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible. In that moment, she realized that her pain had transformed into something meaningful—something that could help others heal too.
And it did. The response from readers was beyond anything she had imagined. “People tell me how much the book has helped them reflect, heal, and grow. That, to me, is everything,” she says. Knowing that her words had the power to touch lives, to offer comfort and understanding, was the most rewarding part of the journey.
Balancing writing, school, and personal life hasn’t been easy. Some days are overwhelming, but she has learned to embrace the chaos while making sure she doesn’t lose herself in it. “I take it one day at a time. I remind myself where I started, and that keeps me going,” she says. Writing remains her anchor, a constant reminder of her purpose even in the busiest of days.
Through it all, faith and culture have remained her foundation. They remind her of who she is, where she comes from, and why she does what she does. In moments of doubt, they keep her grounded, guiding her through the uncertainties of life and the ever-evolving path of being a writer.
Challenges and setbacks, both personal and professional, are inevitable, but Najaat has learned to face them with resilience. She believes that nothing is permanent—not pain, not failure, not setbacks. Everything is part of the journey. Instead of resisting hardships, she allows herself to feel them, to break down if needed, but never to stay down. “I always get back up,” she says—a simple but powerful reminder that growth often comes from the very struggles we endure.
When asked about the most influential people in her life, her answer is unexpected yet profoundly telling. “Me, me, me,” she says without hesitation. She has been there for herself when no one else was. But while she recognizes her own strength, she also acknowledges the role of others—friends, family, and even strangers—who believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself. Their support, whether direct or indirect, has been a silent force pushing her forward.
Her creativity extends beyond writing. While working to bring her stories to life, she’s also expanding her entrepreneurial ventures. She runs Style.ke, a fashion business, along with a perfume store—both of which reflect her love for creativity and self-expression. At the same time, she is actively working to get Chronicles of Discovery into more hands, launching it in different places, and finding new ways to share her storytelling. “I believe my storytelling is unique, and I want the world to see it,” she says with conviction
Looking ahead, Najaat envisions a future filled with storytelling, growth, and impact. She sees herself writing more books, expanding her businesses, and building a platform that inspires and empowers others. Her ambition isn’t just to write—it’s to create a lasting influence. She wants her work to reach an international audience, touching lives far beyond her immediate community.
A big part of that vision includes uplifting young women and aspiring writers. She wants them to know that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be told, no matter where they come from. She believes that if she could write a book while battling a chronic illness, then anyone with a story to share can do the same. Najaat acknowledges the challenges women in Mombasa face when it comes to being recognized for their work, but her message is clear: Don’t stop. One day, the world will see you.
For those who want to follow in her footsteps, she offers simple but powerful advice—start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, and don’t let fear hold you back. Every great journey begins with a single step, and the only way to grow is through practice. If she could speak to her younger self, she would tell her not to be afraid, not to shrink herself. She was always capable of more than she realized.
She holds onto one mantra that keeps her motivated: Everything you want is on the other side of fear. It’s a reminder that growth, success, and fulfillment all require courage. And as she continues to write, inspire, and build her legacy, she hopes to encourage others to step beyond their own fears and chase their dreams.
To follow Najaat’s journey and connect with her, you can find her on Instagram at @najaat.mote and Chronicles of Discovery
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