Mombasa to host regional book fair celebrating literary diversity, culture

The Kenyan publishing community is set to convene for the four-day Mombasa Regional Book Fair at the Mama Ngina Waterfront.

The event aims to promote a reading culture and offers a platform for publishers, authors and readers to interact.

The theme for this year's event, '25 Years of Excellence and Innovation in Publishing' underscores the significant milestones achieved by the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) in promoting literacy and education in Kenya.

Attendees can look forward to an enriching experience, deepening their engagement with Kenyan literature and the broader regional literary landscape.

The four-day book fair, running from Wednesday, May 29 to June 1, forms part of the Nairobi International Book Fair (NIBF) franchise and marks the 25th anniversary of the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA).

The Nairobi International Book Fair, an annual celebration of literature, is a cornerstone event for Kenya, promoting a culture of reading and providing a platform for publishers, authors, and readers to engage.

This year's Mombasa edition features a lively lineup of activities designed to enhance appreciation for Kenyan and regional literature.

“I am looking forward to increased sales of my books during the fair. Opportunities to promote my books through book signings, readings, and speaking engagements.

Feedback and Engagement: Direct interaction with readers, getting feedback, and understanding reader preferences and interests,” noted one of the authors Duncan Lutomia who will

also launch one of his books at the fair.

The Mombasa Regional Book Fair is considered a major highlight, showcasing a variety of books across genres including Kiswahili literature, academic texts and children's books.

Attendees have the opportunity to explore works that cater to a wide range of literary tastes and educational needs.

Author interactions

Author interactions are a key feature of the fair, providing attendees with the chance to meet and engage with writers.

Duncan Were Lutomia, a Swahili specialist from the Aga Khan School in Mombasa who is also the editor of the Swahili short story collection "Mapambazuko ya Machweo na Hadithi Nyingine," will offer insights into his work and discuss strategies for tackling related exam questions.

Author Duncan Were Lutomia with other authors during the Nairobi Book Fair last year. (Photo: Handout)

The event also marks the launch of "Enyi Wazungu Weusi," a new collection of Swahili poems co-authored by Lutomia and Jibril Adam.

The authors note the book launch as one of the standout moments of the fair, seeking to attract considerable interest from attendees.

“As an author, I have several expectations while attending the Mombasa Regional Book Fair including exposure and networking, opportunities to meet other authors, publishers, literary critics, and professionals in the industry for potential collaborations and partnerships,” said Lutomia.

He says the fair will provide a more intimate, community-focused setting with a strong emphasis on regional literature and culture.

“All these fairs are valuable in their unique ways, contributing to the growth and appreciation of literature in the world. As an author residing in Mombasa, I feel that the book fair coming to Mombasa will be of much benefit to all book lovers. The event will be more focused on engaging the local population, including schools, universities, and community groups. I look forward to more localised sales and promotional activities, with a focus on regional literature and authors,” he added.

Some of the books that will feature at the Mombasa Regional Book Fair. (Photo: Handout)

In addition to these highlights, the fair will offer workshops and seminars focusing on various aspects of writing, publishing, and translation.

These sessions aim to provide valuable knowledge and skills to writers, educators, and literary enthusiasts.

Cultural performances are another significant attraction, featuring poetry recitals, storytelling, and traditional dances. These performances celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region and add a festive atmosphere to the event.

The fair also includes educational programmes designed to promote literacy and a love for reading among students and educators. Interactive storytelling sessions and other activities are geared towards engaging young readers and fostering a lifelong passion for literature.

“Kenyan publishers play a big role in the Kenyan educational sector, seeing as they are the sole producers of educational materials in the country. While the Ministry of Education, through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, formulates the curriculum to be used in schools, publishers interpret it and produce the learning materials. It is through such fairs that schools get to learn in terms of books and make orders according to their needs,” Lutomia said.

The author said he is eager to learn about the latest trends in the literary world, new technologies in publishing and innovative marketing strategies.

“Authors can expect to engage in cultural exchanges, learning from the diverse audience and fellow authors. Discovering local literature and potentially finding new themes and stories that resonate with the local culture and heritage," Lutomia adds.