The late literary giant Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o will be posthumously honored at the upcoming Nairobi International Book Fair (NIBF), where he will be inducted into the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) Hall of Fame.
According to NIBF chair Mary Maina, the recognition celebrates Ngũgĩ’s monumental contribution to Kenyan literature, education, and African cultural identity.
The 26th edition of the book fair will open on Wednesday, September 24, at the Sarit Expo Center in Westlands, Nairobi.
Celebrating Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Legacy
Ngũgĩ, who passed away on May 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 87, was one of Africa’s most celebrated authors and scholars. His novels, plays, and essays interrogated colonialism, cultural conflict, identity, and social justice, influencing generations of readers worldwide.
Beyond his literary works, Ngũgĩ championed the use of indigenous African languages, arguing that language is central to cultural liberation and decolonization. His call for African writers to embrace local languages reshaped debates on literature and identity across the continent.
While his passing marked the end of an era, Ngũgĩ’s enduring legacy continues to inspire both readers and writers globally.
Challenges Facing Kenya’s Publishing Industry
At the same press briefing, KPA Chairperson Kiarie Kamau highlighted pressing challenges in the publishing sector.
- Government Debt: The state owes publishers Ksh3 billion for the supply of Grade 9 textbooks in 2025.
- Delayed Payments: Despite the delays, publishers have already distributed Ksh200 million worth of books, ensuring every learner has access to at least one textbook. A major round of supply is planned between October and December for senior schools.
- Piracy: Publishers lose up to Ksh250 million annually due to illegal book sales at discounted prices.
- VAT on Books: The 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) has further raised the cost of books, making them unaffordable for many families. “By taxing books, we tax education,” Kamau emphasized, urging the government to scrap VAT on books.
Embracing AI and Environmental Sustainability
Kamau also acknowledged the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in publishing, describing it as a “profound influence” that is already enhancing quality, efficiency, and creativity in the industry.
In addition, publishers pledged support for the government’s “go green” initiative. Each publishing house will adopt a Nairobi primary school for tree planting, a step aimed at offsetting the industry’s heavy paper consumption.
“Publishing consumes tonnes of paper every year. We shall be going green in the city of Nairobi. Each publishing company has been assigned a primary school to plant trees,” Kamau stated.
The induction of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o into the KPA Hall of Fame at the 2025 Nairobi International Book Fair will serve as both a tribute to his unmatched literary contributions and a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Kenya’s publishing sector.
As the industry grapples with delayed payments, piracy, and the cost of books, the fair also offers an opportunity to reflect on the transformative role of literature — and the urgent need to make knowledge more accessible for all.