Kenya's fiction publishing industry is known for its commitment to promoting diverse and unique voices in literature. Many Kenyan publishers are specifically dedicated to empowering voices from marginalized groups, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Here are a few Kenyan fiction publishers that are doing just that:
Kwani? - This publisher, founded in 2003 by Binyavanga Wainaina, is known for its commitment to promoting contemporary Kenyan writing and providing a platform for diverse voices. They have a particular focus on promoting the works of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Storymoja - This publisher was founded in 2007 by Muthoni Garland and focuses on children's literature, fiction, and non-fiction. They have a strong commitment to promoting diverse and inclusive literature, and their storytelling program encourages children from all backgrounds to read and write.
Jalada Africa - This is a pan-African collective of writers, artists, and translators, which aims to promote the works of emerging and experimental voices from across the continent. They have a particular focus on promoting the works of marginalized groups, such as women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) - This publisher is not only focused on publishing books but also on the development and empowerment of African women. They provide funding and resources to support the works of female writers and to promote the visibility of women's voices in literature.
Kweli Publishers - This publisher is committed to promoting works by marginalized voices and writers of color, and works that challenge the status quo. They are also active in promoting works by writers with disabilities, and they also have an intentional focus on publishing works by black authors.
These publishers are playing a vital role in promoting diverse and inclusive literature in Kenya, and in giving a voice to marginalized groups. By supporting these publishers, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the country's culture and history, and discover new and exciting voices in literature.