The Kenya Publishers Association is hosting this year’s regional book fair in Kisii County with the aim of promoting literacy and expanding access to books.
The regional book fair has transformed the Quickmart parking area along the Kisii-Kisumu Road in Kisii town into a vibrant hub for literature, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
The five-day event, running until June 1, brings together authors, educators, book lovers, and publishers such as Longhorn Publishers and Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB).
The fair serves as a platform for publishers to showcase their works, engage with readers, and potentially donate books to the Kisii National Library as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Other prominent publishers, such as e-Kitabu, Moran Publishers, Oxford University Press, and Storymoja, among others, are also exhibiting their products, each contributing to the rich literary atmosphere.
Beyond books, the event has also integrated Kisii’s artistic heritage by featuring Tabaka soapstone carvings, which is a craft deeply rooted in the county’s identity.
Speaking to KNA, Moran Publisher’s Sales Executive Jacob Nzau emphasized the role of book fairs in making educational materials more accessible.
“We believe in bringing books closer to the people. This fair allows us to directly engage with readers, understand their needs, and ensure they have access to quality materials,” he said.
Nashon Kabale, a Marketing Supervisor at Story Moja, also noted they had introduced an initiative dedicated to children’s literacy, incorporating interactive storytelling sessions, reading corners, and creative writing workshops to encourage a lifelong reading culture.
“We want children to experience books in an engaging and fun way because these activities are designed to spark imagination and cultivate a deep love for reading from an early age,” Kabale stated.
The exhibitors hope that by the time the last book is shelved, the fair will have fostered a more inclusive and impactful literary culture in Kisii, leaving a legacy that extends beyond its final day.
By Ilhan Ismail
