25/05/2026
Book Bunk and Hay Festival Global successfully concluded the 2026 edition of Nairobi Litfest successfully held in Nairobi across three historic public libraries: McMillan Memorial Library, Kaloleni Library and Eastlands Library (8 – 10 May, 2026). Over 3 days, audiences gathered to celebrate literature, exchange ideas, and experience performance in a shared space of creativity and connection.
The festival, now in its fifth iteration, united book lovers, literature enthusiasts, poets, artists, thinkers and educators from Kenya and beyond, across more than 25 sessions. A special highlight of the festival was the screening of ‘How to Build a Library’ documentary that follows Book Bunk’s work in restoring public libraries and a live performance by Kenyan artist Mutoriah on day 2 of the festival.
This year’s theme explored how speculative cartography and South-to-South connections make visible new worlds, inviting audiences to rethink boundaries, imagine alternative futures and engage with ideas that traverse geographies, disciplines and perspectives. Across the programme, participants reflected on how storytelling, art and dialogue can reconfigure reality through bold imagination and collective engagement.
Book Bunk Co-Founder and Nairobi Litfest Co-Director Wanjiru Koinange shares, “Nairobi Litfest is a festival built by many hands and sustained by a shared belief in the power of sharing ideas. Each successful edition is a result of our guests, audiences and partners showing up for each other, for their communities and for storytelling. It is a true labour of love and this year’s edition once again affirmed that spirit.”
Since 2024, Book Bunk and Hay Festival Global have partnered to co-present Nairobi Litfest, creating a new chapter in the festival’s journey. Over the past three editions, the partnership has brought together more than 120 writers and artists across 75 events, reaching an audience of over 3,000 both in person and online. This collaboration continues to expand the festival’s international presence, connecting Nairobi audiences to global conversations and ideas.
