For the longest time, despite the presence of books and bookstores, there has been the common misconception that Kenyans do not have a reading culture. Perhaps you can blame a school system that pushed reading for exams rather than enjoyment.
Anyway, times have changed. African literature is having a renaissance* and finally there is a fast growing demand for books other than self help and autobiographies of white men. We want to see our lives reflected between the pages of novels, see heroines and villains who have similar struggles and skin tones.
Bigger, long established bookstores have long held court, dedicating some shelve space for African writers. On the second hand market, street vendors selling second hand books have also always been popular. But these new stores are curating something different, creating experience and accessibility at a time when pirated electronic copies had become the norm. We compiled a list of five cool bookstores to check out…
Cheche Bookshop and café
Known for: A bookstore with African books from all over the continent and diaspora. It is also a venue for book related events such as author meetups and discussions and kids storytelling.
Recommendations: Cheche has a great ambiance with a verandah with a small garden, buy your book and enjoy a coffee on a nice afternoon.
Soma Nami
Known for: BIPOC female writers are here a plenty. Soma Nami has an active book club with book of the month recommendations. It also hosts book related events
Recommendations: A cool little nook at the Green House, Nairobi. Soma Nami has a nice sitting are where you can enjoy tea, coffee or wine with a friend or friendly book.
Nuria Books
Known for: Competitive pricing and starting out as an online store and opening up a stall on Moi Avenue for walk in readers.
Recommendations: Nuria Bookstore also takes donations of kids books that it distributes to schools up country, be sure to donate some the next time you are in town.
Half priced books
Known for: Second hand books from all over and mostly tagged at a mean price of Sh500. Also located along Moi Avenue.
Recommendations: Take your time browsing when you visit, you just might uncover a gem at an affordable price, alternatively you can follow their page and order online.
Rugano Books
Known for: Being the OG when it comes to finding and selling books by African authors online.
Recommendations: Order your book online and follow their social media pages for the latest from African authors.
Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments below..
* Renaissance is used loosely here. Africans have always had a rich storytelling culture.
What a wonderful roundup Naliaka. I also recommend All African Bookshop by Writers Guild at Hazina Towers.
As the name suggests, they only sell African books!
Thanks Furaha! I will make sure to check it out next time I am in town and add it to the roster!
where is Prestige Bookshop….
A true Gem Prestige is, though this time we were focussing on bookstores that are creating something new, either in ambiance or price point.