African Book Fair second edition on this August

The second edition of the African Book Fair will take place from August 6 to 11 at the McMillan Memorial Library, Nairobi.

The organisers, Soma Nami Books, a leading Pan-African bookstore and advocate for African literature, said the event aims at promoting African literary art and fostering a vibrant literary culture on the continent.

"The African Book Fair serves as a platform to celebrate the richness and diversity of African literature, showcasing the works of established and emerging authors from across the continent," they said.

"The event aims to create opportunities for writers, publishers, and readers to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and celebrate the power of storytelling."

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which attracted over 5,000 attendees from various parts of East Africa, the second edition promises to be even more exciting and impactful.

"We are delighted to announce the second edition of the African Book Fair," said Muthoni Muiruri, Co-founder of Soma Nami Books.

“This year's edition, like the previous one, is rooted in our commitment to creating a dynamic platform that celebrates African literature and promotes a culture of reading and learning across the continent.

"Our expanded edition this year underscores our dedication to nurturing the literary talents of African writers and ensuring greater access to literature for everyone,” she said.

Attendees of this six-day extravaganza will be treated to a showcase of 10,000 books representing 54 African countries.

The event will include engaging book chats with authors, a diverse array of exhibitors displaying their literary works, and insightful panel discussions on various literary topics.

Additionally, there will be a dedicated children's programme designed to inspire young readers, as well as book sales offering a wide selection of titles for purchase.