My name is John Njuguna Irungu, and I was born, grew up, and schooled in the rural village of Kigumo South in Murang’a County. I serve in the Banking Industry in the capacity of an Environment and Social Risk Analyst. I am an author, trainer, speaker, relationship, and marriage therapist. I am married, have children, and I love having a daily relationship with God.
I moved to Nakuru town for my undergraduate studies at Egerton University in August 2002. This was a year and a half after sitting my KCSE. I had not been exposed to the outside world. Our upbringing was within Murang’a with little exposure. Little did I know what God was preparing me for. Life at the University was not easy for me due to a lack of finances. At one time, a cheque worth Ksh. 25,000 bounced and attracted a fine of Ksh. 1,000. It pained me as it felt like adding salt to an injury. My father had just retired and had not received his dues to cater for nine children, myself being the sixth.
I used to teach at secondary schools during the long vacations, which would come in handy for my upkeep at the University. My favorite subject was English and literature. With the help of God, I managed to complete my four-year course. However, I had to wait for a year before I could graduate because I had some fee balance.
My Writing Journey:
While at the University, I discovered that I am good at coordinating and organizing people for projects. I was privileged to serve as the Missions Coordinator for Murang’a University Students Union under the umbrella of Egerton University C.U. I also served in the C.U drama club and was an editor for the C.U’s magazine. I started mentorship and coaching programs in secondary schools in my second year at the University.
I wrote my first manuscript immediately after campus when I served as an untrained teacher (UT) in Murang’a North. I still have the handwritten draft in my files to date. The dream has always been with me.
My calling is to help people develop exceptional relationships, be it partners/couples; among work/business colleagues, etc.
I have worked with two corporates since 2009. When I look back at my life journey, I always say God has a way of training us and making us better vessels. I have worked in Kitale, Busia, Kisumu, Meru, Kiambu, and Nairobi regions. All these opportunities helped me view the ‘world,’ people, and the environment from a broader perspective.
Where I come from, we have a proverb, “(s)he who does not travel says it’s their mother who cooks well.” I can embrace different traditions and beliefs from these various communities.
In my book “The Art and Science of Interpersonal, Love, and Marital Relationships,” I have talked about how traditions and beliefs of a particular community play a great role in a relationship or marriage. This is essential at this time and age.
Success in life entails healthy relationships: interpersonal interactions; love and romance; work and business; family and marriage. The book addresses the need for holistic wellness (in social, physical, emotional, career, intellectual, environmental, financial, and spiritual dimensions) to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
There is quite a lot happening in love and marriage landscapes. This is exacerbated by the lack of mentors and coaches for our young people seeking love and a hand in marriage. Lack of knowledge and skills to handle the responsibilities that come with marriage and family is another challenge.
The idea to write this book came as a revelation. I remember we were working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was around 6:45 am, and I was in the kitchen all alone, preparing tea one morning in 2021. I had tuned in to my favorite gospel station in the sitting room. I love music and real talk conversations over the radio.
As I waited for the tea to boil, I jotted down more than 59 causes of conflicts and challenges in love and marital relationships. I developed and collapsed these points to just 39 over time. The book was published in October 2023.
The book’s sneak peek:
The book has 12 chapters that build on each other:
- Conception of the marriage institution.
- Feminism and gender equality and empowerment.
- Marital journey: Marathon or sprint race?
- They lived happily ever after; a paradox or a cliche?
- Significance of informal education in marriage.
- Fast-paced lifestyles in society.
- Premarital counseling and post-marital therapy.
- 39 major causes of conflicts and challenges in love and marital relationships; healthy coping strategies for healthier and happier families.
- 37 enriching conversations while dating.
- 225 enriching courting and marital conversation questions.
- Recipe for a happier and healthier marital relationship in the evolving landscape.
- The nexus of sustainability and climate.
I run two programs:
- Therapeutic Experience is dedicated to helping people lead a feel-good life by becoming more aware of themselves and mindful persons by blending soul, mind, and body self-care and wellbeing dimensions. The program blends the 8 well-being dimensions to design, wellness, and self-care interventions for couples/partners, families, and businesses.
- Skills-set program targets primary, secondary, college, and university students for mentorship and coaching initiatives. Additionally, the program seeks to transfer knowledge and skills, sharing invaluable life skills needed at one time or the other in life.
Unique value preposition:
The book is ideal for college and university students, young adults, parents, and couples/partners.
- Advocates for self-care and embeds the 8 wellbeing dimensions.
- Advocates for psychosocial support as a measure against mental illnesses.
- Embraces religious and non-religious pre- and marital counseling and therapy customized to meet a partner’s specific relationship goals.
- Embraces gender equality and empowerment for civilized societies.
- Reskills and transfer knowledge for life interactions.
- Advocates for environmental stewardship and sustainability.
My other book is called “Customer Experience; The Competitive Battleground; 127 Essential Customer Service Elements, skills and Practices for an Outstanding Customer Journey“
Other projects in the pipeline:
- Echoes of Vulnerability. This is a creative work of fiction on ecosystem disruptions, risks, and impacts in the wake of climate change. The book comprises three ‘short’ stories.
- Believer’s Discipleship and Maturity. Targeting new believers in the church to help them grow and develop intimacy with God.
- In the Battlefield. A book targeting youths to avoid pitfalls in life.
