From poets to critics, everyone’s putting their best foot forward for the NYrobi Book Fest
Nairobi speaks. Nairobi writes. From 11-13 April, its literary heart will beat at the Alliance Française, as Kenyan authors and literary enthusiasts gather for the 4th NYRobi Book Fest. After a one-year hiatus, the NYrobi Book Fest is back—bolder, bigger, better and featuring the new kids on the block in publishing—eKitabu’s imprint, Mvua Press.
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. From speculative fiction and children's literature to writing masterclasses by acclaimed writers, the festival promises a buffet of literary flavour.
The festival began in 2019, when authors Haroun Risa (Mombasa Raha My Foot) and Verah Omwocha (Mikayi) approached the Alliance Française for space to launch their books. “We were surprised to see over 200 people come to these events,” recalls Dennis Mucheru, Multimedia Library Manager at Alliance Française. “But then Covid-19 struck, blocking writers like Yvonne Owuor, author of Dust, who had been scheduled to do a book reading in March 2020.”
When public spaces reopened, what followed was nothing short of remarkable. “To date, Alliance Française has some bookish events happening every weekend. We thought, why not bring all these writers together at least once a year? That’s how the NYrobi Book Fest came to be.” Since 2019, the venue has supported self-published authors, offering them space at no cost—not only at the festival but also at major events like the Nairobi International Book Fair. “Self-published authors don’t have a spotlight in Kenya,” Mucheru noted. “And often, renting a stand at book fairs is costly. As we’ve done before, the stands will be free for all authors.”
This year’s festival brings together over 20 bookshops, authors, publishers, and content creators, running daily from 10 am to 6 pm. While it was previously funded solely by Alliance Française, the 2025 edition sees publishers Jahazi Press and eKitabu (through Mvua Press) come on board as partners, offering greater visibility and resources to the growing literary movement.
10 things to expect at the NYrobi Book Fest
- Poetry and spoken word performances and panel discussion
The first act on Friday, 11 April, kicks off with Ugandan author, spoken word artist, and environmental activist Isabirye Godfrey Mitch Jr., performing with Poetry Slam Africa. From 2 pm to 4 pm, enjoy performances and a panel discussion hosted by eKitabu and Slam Africa on the business of poetry.
- Book trivia
From 4 pm to 5:30 pm, two teams of three to five members each go head to head under the sharp eye of Msomi, the quizmaster, just before the official opening ceremony.
- Creative writing masterclass
On Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, acclaimed writers Troy Onyango and Billy Kahora will hold a masterclass for creative writers upon registration.
- Books in Africa podcast
From 2 pm to 4 pm, Empress Ciku Kimani (author of NaiRobbery Cocktail) and Ciku Kimeria (author of Dance of the Monkeys) will sit down with yours truly for a live recording of the Books in Africa podcast, digging into thriller writing and the delicious scandals in Nairobi city that entertain and haunt us.
- Book readings
Dan Kairo and Akbar Hussain, authors of Sibiloi and Truth is a Flightless Bird, respectively, will have a book reading session moderated by Mbugua Ngunjiri from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.
- Who mentioned comics?
Reveal Comics will moderate a session on the place of comics in literature, while Gado launches his new collection featuring his work from The Standard and The Continent for the period 2017–2025.
- The 2020s to the present
Troy Onyango and Denis Mugaa, authors of For What Are Butterflies Without Wings and Half Portraits Under Water, respectively, will explore Kenya’s short story scene in the past decade.
- The mystique of the critics
Tony Mochama and Verah Omwocha bring the heat as they discuss the evolving role of literary critics in Kenya. Expect fire, flair, and possibly a few controversial takes.
- Nai Nights
For a city that writes itself, sings about itself and has a whole personality, panelists Makena Onjerika, Peter Kimani and Stanley Gazemba will unravel all the stories that shape and define Kenya’s capital. This is for everyone who loves Nairobi.
- Let the children come to the NYrobi Book Fest
Wangari the Storyteller takes centrestage on Sunday with storytelling magic tailored for little book lovers. Because yes—book fests are for children, too!
As Nairobi continues to write itself—one story, one stanza, one stage at a time—the NYRobi Book Fest offers more than just a weekend of literary activity. It’s a space of reclamation, resistance, and reinvention. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or simply book-curious, this festival is a chance to witness Kenya’s literary soul in motion. And hey—while you’re at it, pass by the Books in Africa podcast stand and say hello. We’ll be recording live, and we’d love to hear what stories you are carrying. Come for the books, stay for the people, and leave with your heart a little fuller.
Tracy Ochieng is a staff writer with Books in Africa. Email: tracy.ochieng@ekitabu.com
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From poets to critics, everyone’s putting their best foot forward for the NYrobi Book Fest
Nairobi speaks. Nairobi writes. From 11-13 April, its literary heart will beat at the Alliance Française, as Kenyan authors and literary enthusiasts gather for the 4th NYRobi Book Fest. After a one-year hiatus, the NYrobi Book Fest is back—bolder, bigger, better and featuring the new kids on the block in publishing—eKitabu’s imprint, Mvua Press.
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. From speculative fiction and children's literature to writing masterclasses by acclaimed writers, the festival promises a buffet of literary flavour.
The festival began in 2019, when authors Haroun Risa (Mombasa Raha My Foot) and Verah Omwocha (Mikayi) approached the Alliance Française for space to launch their books. “We were surprised to see over 200 people come to these events,” recalls Dennis Mucheru, Multimedia Library Manager at Alliance Française. “But then Covid-19 struck, blocking writers like Yvonne Owuor, author of Dust, who had been scheduled to do a book reading in March 2020.”
When public spaces reopened, what followed was nothing short of remarkable. “To date, Alliance Française has some bookish events happening every weekend. We thought, why not bring all these writers together at least once a year? That’s how the NYrobi Book Fest came to be.” Since 2019, the venue has supported self-published authors, offering them space at no cost—not only at the festival but also at major events like the Nairobi International Book Fair. “Self-published authors don’t have a spotlight in Kenya,” Mucheru noted. “And often, renting a stand at book fairs is costly. As we’ve done before, the stands will be free for all authors.”
This year’s festival brings together over 20 bookshops, authors, publishers, and content creators, running daily from 10 am to 6 pm. While it was previously funded solely by Alliance Française, the 2025 edition sees publishers Jahazi Press and eKitabu (through Mvua Press) come on board as partners, offering greater visibility and resources to the growing literary movement.
10 things to expect at the NYrobi Book Fest
- Poetry and spoken word performances and panel discussion
The first act on Friday, 11 April, kicks off with Ugandan author, spoken word artist, and environmental activist Isabirye Godfrey Mitch Jr., performing with Poetry Slam Africa. From 2 pm to 4 pm, enjoy performances and a panel discussion hosted by eKitabu and Slam Africa on the business of poetry.
- Book trivia
From 4 pm to 5:30 pm, two teams of three to five members each go head to head under the sharp eye of Msomi, the quizmaster, just before the official opening ceremony.
- Creative writing masterclass
On Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, acclaimed writers Troy Onyango and Billy Kahora will hold a masterclass for creative writers upon registration.
- Books in Africa podcast
From 2 pm to 4 pm, Empress Ciku Kimani (author of NaiRobbery Cocktail) and Ciku Kimeria (author of Dance of the Monkeys) will sit down with yours truly for a live recording of the Books in Africa podcast, digging into thriller writing and the delicious scandals in Nairobi city that entertain and haunt us.
- Book readings
Dan Kairo and Akbar Hussain, authors of Sibiloi and Truth is a Flightless Bird, respectively, will have a book reading session moderated by Mbugua Ngunjiri from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.
- Who mentioned comics?
Reveal Comics will moderate a session on the place of comics in literature, while Gado launches his new collection featuring his work from The Standard and The Continent for the period 2017–2025.
- The 2020s to the present
Troy Onyango and Denis Mugaa, authors of For What Are Butterflies Without Wings and Half Portraits Under Water, respectively, will explore Kenya’s short story scene in the past decade.
- The mystique of the critics
Tony Mochama and Verah Omwocha bring the heat as they discuss the evolving role of literary critics in Kenya. Expect fire, flair, and possibly a few controversial takes.
- Nai Nights
For a city that writes itself, sings about itself and has a whole personality, panelists Makena Onjerika, Peter Kimani and Stanley Gazemba will unravel all the stories that shape and define Kenya’s capital. This is for everyone who loves Nairobi.
- Let the children come to the NYrobi Book Fest
Wangari the Storyteller takes centrestage on Sunday with storytelling magic tailored for little book lovers. Because yes—book fests are for children, too!
As Nairobi continues to write itself—one story, one stanza, one stage at a time—the NYRobi Book Fest offers more than just a weekend of literary activity. It’s a space of reclamation, resistance, and reinvention. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or simply book-curious, this festival is a chance to witness Kenya’s literary soul in motion. And hey—while you’re at it, pass by the Books in Africa podcast stand and say hello. We’ll be recording live, and we’d love to hear what stories you are carrying. Come for the books, stay for the people, and leave with your heart a little fuller.
Tracy Ochieng is a staff writer with Books in Africa. Email: tracy.ochieng@ekitabu.com
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