Ngugi wa Thiong'o to be inducted into Kenya publishers hall of fame

Literary giant Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is set to be inducted to the Kenya Publishers Association's Hall of Fame in the upcoming Nairobi International Book Fair (NIBF).

According to NIBF chair Mary Maina, Ngũgĩ will be recognized for his significant contribution to Kenyan literature and education.

The 26th book fair is set to begin next Wednesday, September 24, at the Sarit Expo Center in Westlands, Nairobi.

Prof. Ngũgĩ, who died on May 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 87, was one of Africa’s most celebrated authors and scholars, teaching at universities abroad.

His novels, plays, and essays often explored themes of colonialism, identity, cultural conflict, and social justice.

He was also a leading voice in advocating for African writers to embrace indigenous languages, arguing that language was central to cultural liberation.

Ngũgĩ’s death marked the end of an era in African literature, but his legacy continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.

At the same press address, Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) Chairperson Kiarie Kamau underscored the challenges of delayed payments, as the government owes publishers Ksh.3 billion for the supply of Grade 9 books this year.

“We remain optimistic that the government will expedite the outstanding payments,” he said.

Kamau also revealed that publishers have so far supplied textbooks worth Ksh.200 million, ensuring every learner has access to at least one textbook.

 "Major round of book supply is scheduled between October and December for senior schools," he noted.

He further intimated that piracy remains a major threat, with publishers losing upto Ksh.250 million annually due to illegal sale at throwaway prices.

Additionally, the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on books has made them increasingly unaffordable for many households amid the high cost of living.

“By taxing books, we tax education,” Kamau stressed. "We urge the government  to scrap tax in books...this will enhance access to knowledge."

He also highlighted the transformative role Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays in the publishing industry, saying it is already exerting a “profound influence” on publishing, serving as an enabler to improve quality and efficiency.

KPA underscored that each publishing house will adopt a Nairobi primary school for tree planting as part of the government’s “go green” initiative.

“Publishing consume tonnes of papers every year...we shall be going green in the city of Nairobi. Each publishing company has been assigned a primary school to plant trees.”