The Kenyan writer / poet Daniel Juma Onyango, recipient of the 1st prize for 2006 & 2008 kwani poetry Contest, was born in Nairobi. Before dedicating his life to literature, he joined the MYSA (Mathare Youth Sports association) and later played for the Mathare Youth football club as a Mid-fielder in the Kenya Premier league.

Juma wrote his first poem 'numerous' when he was sixteen. He is best known for the piece 'Roses in the Ghetto' which was published in Kwani Vol 2. He is the youngest sanctioned writer to win the kwani poetry contest prize twice. And he is also a painter.

He has been inspired by the writings of the contemporary African writers that have emerged in the past few years. Juma enjoys the writing of Binyavanga Wainaina , Wahome Mutahi and their likes and hopes to master a full spectrum of writing genres just as they have.

Within short, compact phrases Juma expresses far-reaching ideas; amidst paradox and uncertainty his poetry has an undeniable capacity to move and provoke.

Living a life of simplicity and seclusion, he yet wrote poetry of great power; questioning the nature of immortality and death, with at times an almost mantric quality. His different lifestyle created an aura; often romanticised, and frequently a source of interest and speculation. But ultimately Daniel Juma is known for his urban style of writing poetry.