Text Book Centre Spearheads the 254 Kitabu Fest: Empowering Kenyan Authors and Nurturing a Robust Reading Culture

NAIROBI, Kenya, 18 Sept 2023 — As the driving force behind the 254 Kitabu Fest, Text Book Centre (Text Book Centre) is championing an initiative aimed at empowering Kenyan authors and nurturing the country's flourishing reading culture. With a long-standing history of promoting literary appreciation and fostering writer development, Text Book Centre is yet again creating a platform for burgeoning authors to grow.

A recent study conducted by Stadi Analytics and the Writers Guild Kenya (WGK) revealed that Nairobi is home to a rich tapestry of literary engagement: 85% of residents read regularly, and more than half do so daily. This vibrant reading culture is further cultivated through book clubs, libraries, and literary festivals, like the 254 Kitabu Fest.

Yet, many authors are still grappling with their craft's economic realities, with a large number only taking home 10% of their art profits. Text Book Centre’s 254 Kitabu Fest seeks to address this imbalance by offering authors invaluable insights into the publishing landscape and strategies for sustainable success.

During a forum hosted by the festival at Text Book Centre Sarit, acclaimed author Larry Liza spoke about the challenges budding authors face and the perseverance required: "Being an author is difficult, it took me 20 years to write my first book but I have kept at it. Five books later, I am learning what works and growing my skills with passion and patience. That defines a successful author."

"Furthermore, aspiring authors should prioritize quality in their work. It's not just about writing; it's about crafting creative and engaging stories that extend beyond biographies. Collaborate with seasoned editors and innovative designers to polish your masterpiece. And remember, it's not enough to rely solely on booksellers to market your book. Embrace social platforms, invest in promoting your creation, and engage directly with your audience to maximize your reach and impact," added Liza.?

Risper Oluga, Text Book Centre’s E-Commerce Manager, underscored the foundational dedication of Text Book Centre in nurturing homegrown literary talent, a commitment ingrained since its inception over 60+ years ago.

“The genesis of The 254 Kitabu Fest lies in Text Book Centre’s dedication to showcasing the extensive array of local titles available. We currently stock over 1000 local authors, representing up to 50% of the titles within our store. However, not many Kenyans are purchasing these books.”

“This festival is a platform designed to spotlight Kenyan authors and drive the message home that supporting local authors is crucial. Their stories are relevant, relatable, and often stand shoulder to shoulder with international works, if not surpassing them in quality."

During the full-month festival, Text Book Centre will host various engaging events such as book signings, parent-child readings, and launches. Additionally, the festival offers enticing discounts of up to 80% on selected books across it’s 11 retail outlets, to encourage a wider embrace of reading, making literature more accessible to all, avid readers and newcomers alike.

The 254 Kitabu Fest will culminate in an event, ‘Celebration of Kenyan Voices’ slated for the 29th of September at Text Book Centre, Sarit.

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For more information contact: Risper Oluga on risper.oluga@Text Book Centre.co.ke

Website: textbookcentre.com