The second half of September has a raft of literary activities from book launches to literary and book fairs. Here are some you don’t want to miss.
Nairobi has always been one of the most happening literary cities with many activities throughout the year. In September, the city goes into a literary frenzy with organisers placing their events where they can. This year is no different with activities galore already done like the Kenyan Readathon and more to come. Here are some activities you want to put on your calendar if you plan on enjoying some of the best the city has to offer.
Wednesday, September 18
Africomics Book Launch
Venue: Goethe Institut, Nairobi
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Tickets: Free
The Africomics exhibition is the culmination of the regional project featuring various countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The project saw comic artists from multiple countries submit their works, the best of which have been published into a book and turned into visuals for the exhibition. The exhibition will showcase various comic works from African artists. The book launch is planned for Wednesday, 18th September from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Goethe-Institut, Auditorium.
Thursday, September 19
Dennis Mugaa’s Half Portraits Underwater Book Launch
Venue: Cheche Books
Time: 6 pm
Tickets: Free
Dennis Mugaa’s debut short story collection Half Portraits Underwater published by Jahazi Press launches. Half Portraits Under Water is a collection of ten loosely interlinked stories that explore love, loss, and the interconnected nature of human experiences. He will be in conversation with journalist and digital creator Mohamed Abdishukri.
Abdilatif Abdalla’s Voice of Agony Book Launch
Venue: Goethe Institut, Nairobi
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Tickets: Free
The long-awaited English translation of Abdilatif Abdalla’s celebrated collection of poems, Sauti ya Dhiki, originally published in 1973; Voice of Agony by Mkuki na Nyota. In attendance will be the author Abdilatif Abdalla and Prof Kimani Njogu, Mohamed Bakari, Kai Kresse, Annmarie Drury, and Kelly Askew.
Friday, September 20 – Sunday, September 22
Macondo Literary Festival 2024
Venue: Kenyan National Theatre
Time: All Day.
A literary festival on African histories and futures featured in fictional and non-fictional works, bringing together authors from Africa’s Arab, English, French, and Portuguese writing language zones in conversation with writers from the Indian Ocean worlds. This year’s geographical extension pays tribute to Africa’s historical ties with them.
(Saturday/Sunday) Advanced: Ksh. 800 | At the gate: Ksh. 1200
(Saturday & Sunday) Advanced: Ksh. 1400 | At the gate: Ksh. 1600
(Saturday & Sunday) Student Ticket: Ksh. 200 per day, against ID
Wednesday, September 25 – Sunday, September 29
Nairobi International Book Fair 2024
Venue: Sarit Centre, Nairobi
Tickets: Free.
Time: All Day
Discover a world of literature at the Nairobi International Book Fair 2024. Meet authors, attend immersive workshops, explore discounted books, and enjoy cultural performances. After a two-year hiatus, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature winners will be announced.
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