Authors and publishers have raised concern that continued overreliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing could erode creativity, originality and authenticity, with technology increasingly replacing the intellectual effort required to produce quality books.
They urged writers to embrace AI as a supportive tool while retaining their ideas, experiences, and creative voice, warning that allowing technology to generate entire manuscripts could undermine the essence of authorship.
Speaking during the launch of The Amazing Difference Between the Rich and the Poor, a book authored by Rev. Minjire Kagwama, in Thika on Sunday, they said AI should assist writers rather than become the writer.
Andrew Maina, the book publisher, said some authors were abandoning the discipline of researching, writing, and refining their own ideas. “Most writers are becoming lazy. Instead of working hard on their manuscripts, they are only using AI, and that is all,” Maina said.
He challenged authors who rely heavily on AI to be transparent with readers and acknowledge the technology’s role in producing their work.
“If AI has written the entire book, then say so. Let people buy the book knowing that it was written by AI and not by the writer,” he said.
Maina said writers could use AI for research assistance, editing, and developing ideas but should retain ownership of their thoughts and messages.
Kagwama said the high cost of publishing attributed to numerous government taxes on the publishing industry threatens the publishing industry.
He urged the government to support emerging writers and create a more favourable environment for publishing.
The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Deputy Secretary General John Mbae, who was the chief guest, called for efforts to revive the culture of writing, particularly among young people.
Mbae urged universities and colleges to go beyond encouraging students to read and establish programmes to identify, mentor, and support aspiring writers.
He said the culture of writing books was declining, warning that the trend could affect the preservation of knowledge, ideas, and experiences for future generations.
“We need to restore the culture of writing. Our institutions of higher learning should take an interest in mentoring upcoming writers, not just encouraging people to read,” Mbae said.
By Muoki Charles
