"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?

The evening of Valentine’s saw a buzz of activities at Alliance Française, a venue well known for its long-standing support of the arts, with attendees in theme for the Red Party in their reds and blacks

Moraa’s poetry reminds us that love—whether quiet or blazing—is a force that shapes us.