Legendary author and scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o will be inducted into the Kenya Publishers Association’s Hall of Fame during the Nairobi International Book Fair (NIBF) later this month. The event, scheduled to begin on September 24 at the Sarit Expo Center in Westlands, Nairobi, will celebrate his unmatched contribution to Kenyan literature and education.
Why is Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o being honored?
NIBF chair Mary Maina confirmed that Ngũgĩ’s influence in shaping African literature and education is the reason behind his recognition. Ngũgĩ, who passed away on May 28 in Atlanta at the age of 87, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His novels, plays, and essays tackled themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and social justice, while he consistently urged African writers to embrace indigenous languages. For him, language was more than communication, it was the foundation of cultural liberation.
What challenges are Kenya’s publishers facing?
During the same announcement, Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) Chairperson Kiarie Kamau highlighted financial setbacks, revealing that the government owes publishers Ksh 3 billion for the Grade 9 textbooks supplied this year. Despite these delays, publishers have already delivered materials worth Ksh.200 million, ensuring learners have access to textbooks. A major supply round is planned for senior schools between October and December.
Piracy continues to weigh heavily on the industry, with annual losses of up to Ksh.250 million due to cheap illegal copies. The rising cost of living has also made books less affordable, with the 16% VAT on books adding more strain. “By taxing books, we tax education,” Kamau emphasized, urging the government to remove the levy to make knowledge more accessible.
Kamau highlighted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming publishing by improving quality and efficiency. At the same time, publishers are joining hands in environmental conservation. As part of the government’s “go green” plan, every publishing house will adopt a Nairobi primary school to plant trees, a symbolic step toward offsetting the paper consumed in the industry.
Ngũgĩ’s induction into the Hall of Fame will not only honor his literary genius but also remind Kenyans of the enduring power of books in shaping culture, knowledge, and society.
By Yockshard Enyendi