Dr. Ashraf Sheikh: A Life Shaped by Medicine, History, and Golfing

By Nyatichi Verity

For Dr. Ashraf Sheikh, life has always been about observing the course ahead, understanding the challenges along the way, and appreciating the journey. It is perhaps fitting that he developed a passion for golf, a game built on patience, precision, strategy, and respect for the terrain. These same qualities define his journey as a surgeon, historian, and author.

Born in Nairobi in 1940, Dr. Sheikh grew up during a transformative period in Kenya’s history. His early years unfolded against the backdrop of a changing nation, where different communities, cultures, and aspirations were coming together to shape Kenya’s identity. Those formative experiences gave him a lifelong appreciation of the people, landscapes, and stories that make the country unique.

Dr. Sheikh’s medical career took him across continents. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Sheikh gained extensive training and professional experience in England, Scotland, Germany, the United States, South Africa, and Kenya. Each destination added another layer to his understanding of people, societies, and healthcare systems. Like a golfer studying different courses, he learned from every environment he encountered while remaining deeply connected to the country where his own story began.

Beyond the operating theatre, Dr. Sheikh developed another passion of preserving stories. His transition from medicine to writing was driven by a desire to capture the memories, experiences, and observations accumulated over a lifetime. Through his writing, he examines not only events but also the people, values, and ideas that shape societies.

His acclaimed book, Kenya: Paradise on Earth is a celebration of Kenya’s natural beauty and a thoughtful exploration of the country’s history, culture, economy, politics, and social transformation. Drawing from personal experience and historical reflection, Dr. Sheikh presents a nuanced portrait of a nation he has witnessed evolve over decades.

Like a skilled golfer reading a challenging course, Dr. Sheikh approaches Kenya’s story with patience and perspective. He recognises both the beauty and complexity of the landscape, the achievements, struggles, opportunities, and contradictions that have shaped modern Kenya. His storytelling invites readers to look beyond familiar impressions and appreciate the underlying factors that have influenced the country’s journey.

Golf has remained an important part of Dr. Sheikh’s life, beginning during his years in Scotland and continuing as a lifelong source of enjoyment and reflection. He has often described Kenya as a remarkable destination for outdoor pursuits, particularly golf, with its diverse landscapes offering some of the most scenic settings in the world.

Today, Dr. Sheikh resides in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Sadia, while maintaining a strong connection to Kenya through his writing, memories, and continued interest in the country’s development.

Click here to buy a copy of KENYA: Paradise on Earth by Dr. Ashraf Sheikh.