Second Edition of the African Book Fair held in Nairobi featured over 10,000 Books
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Loading... - Simiyu Kibet
- 13 Sep 2024
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The 2nd edition of the African Book Fair, organized by Soma Nami Books, was a resounding success, captivating Nairobi from August 6–11 at the historic McMillan Memorial Library. This year’s event was larger and more dynamic, featuring over 10,000 books from across Africa and expanding its format to blend the traditional book fair with a vibrant festival atmosphere.
The fair offered specially curated sections dedicated to key themes such as Feminism, African Canon, Liberation, and Children’s Literature, while still encompassing a wide array of genres from fiction to nonfiction, and contemporary novels to classic works. This year's event was particularly focused on fostering intra-African connections and trade, collaborating with publishers from various countries and spotlighting authors from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
The African Book Fair also hosted 36 distinguished guests, both local and international, who engaged in six powerful panel discussions on topics ranging from healing in communities to the intersection of masculinity and mental health. Notable highlights included book chats with Ugandan author and human rights advocate Jackie Asiimwe and Kenyan writer Tiffany Mug, who shared their insights into writing and the themes in their works.
Soma Nami Books founders Muthoni and Wendy also led a masterclass on building thriving book clubs, aligning with the fair's mission to nurture a culture of reading and discussion. Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Youth, Talent, and Sports, Oscar Igaida, graced the opening ceremony, reaffirming the government's commitment to making literature accessible to all Nairobi residents.
Beyond books, the fair featured a lively array of activities, including a quiz night on African literary trivia, a dance party, and multiple events for children like storytelling and dance sessions. The McMillan Memorial Library was also brought to life through The Nairobi Sketch Tour, offering a reimagined journey through the library’s history via art. Complementing the tour was an art exhibition curated by Campasanaa, showcasing works by contemporary Kenyan artists and highlighting the intersection of visual art and literature.
With its successful expansion and enriched programming, the African Book Fair has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Nairobi’s cultural calendar, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s event.
