"There's a market, and there's curiosity about African stories by Africans. We must find our way into that market," says Empress Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki.

Story is an intrinsic part of being human. Whether recounting a challenging ordeal to our friends, explaining why something wasn’t our fault or closing a deal, the fabric of our daily life is woven through story.

This year’s theme, “A Decade of Kenyan Stories – Past, Present & Beyond,” invites reflection not only on what Kenyan writers have accomplished, but where their stories are heading.

If international success is the more viable route, what does that mean for the future of African literature and its relationship with homegrown audiences?

Imagine a time when topics like abortion, sexual harassment, and even women demanding equality in the bedroom were almost unspeakable—yet Maillu dared to write about them.

Maillu, who refers to himself as the president of African Spirituality, says that 'Ka, the Holy Book of Neter', is the African answer to the Bible.