The the narrative technique used by Ngugi wa Thiong'o in A Grain of Wheat is that of the third-person omniscient point of view, which is probably the most commonly used narrative technique in literature. It involves what might be called a godlike perspective in that the narrator sees all and knows all. Using this perspective enables the author, and by extension the reader, to see inside the minds of characters to find out exactly what they're thinking. As we're dealing with the experiences of different people under British colonial rule in Kenya, it is arguably the case that the third-person omniscient point of view is the most appropriate one to use.

Though very similar, the characters don't have the same experiences, so to do justice to their different experiences, it is necessary to tell their stories from the disinterested standpoint of an observer who isn't part of the action. In this way, we gain a better understanding of the characters as we enter not just into their lives but their very souls as well.

The author also uses flashbacks throughout the novel. These are designed to heighten suspense. For instance, the precise details concerning Kihika's death are revealed through this method; what was implicit is made explicit.