Kenyan authors have raised concern over growing book piracy, warning that illegal copying and online sharing of novels is denying writers fair earnings and threatening the future of the country’s literary industry.
The writers say many books are pirated within days of release, appearing on unauthorised PDF websites, social media platforms, and street vendors before authors can recover publishing costs.
The trend, they argue, is leaving many creatives with little or no financial return despite investing months or years developing their work.
Speaking in Thika during the launch of a novel, ‘My Husband, My Abductor’, by Andrew Maina, the authors called for urgent action to address piracy, describing it as one of the biggest challenges currently facing writers.
Maina said piracy has made it increasingly difficult for authors to depend on their artwork, noting that many writers are abandoning the profession due to declining income.
He warned that unless stronger protections are introduced, the country risks losing talented storytellers discouraged by the lack of reward for their creativity.
His sentiments were echoed by Muthoni wa Gichuru, who said many books are illegally reproduced before sales can cover editing, printing, and marketing expenses.
She expressed concern that even widely promoted publications are quickly duplicated and sold cheaply, undermining the efforts of legitimate publishers and authors.
Gichuru also lamented the widespread purchase of pirated books, including by some educators, saying the practice directly hurts writers whose livelihoods depend on book sales. She urged readers to support original works and avoid buying unauthorised copies.
Authors Joseph Ndirangu and Francis Kilango called on the government to strengthen enforcement against piracy while also promoting a stronger reading culture among young people.
They further urged authorities to consider removing VAT on books, arguing that taxation further reduces already limited earnings for authors and publishers.
Book editor Ivy Mumbi warned that declining reading habits, coupled with piracy and high publishing costs, are weakening the literary sector.
She encouraged writers to remain resilient despite the growing challenges, emphasising that literature continues to play a vital role in shaping society.
“This sector is becoming increasingly challenging, especially to young writers, because Kenyans would rather read online publications than hard copy books. Coupled with the high publishing costs and piracy, it makes the industry less lucrative,” said Mumbi.
By Muoki Charles
