Kenya’s poetry scene is alive and thriving, from spoken word slams in Nairobi to published collections winning international awards. Here’s your guide to Kenya’s poetry world.
The Kenyan Poetry Landscape
Oral tradition: Poetry has deep roots in Kenyan culture—from pre-colonial storytelling to modern spoken word Written poetry: Contemporary Kenyan poets publish in journals, anthologies, and collections worldwide Performance poetry: Slam poetry and open mics bring poetry to bars, cafés, and festivals Digital poetry: Social media platforms give poets instant audiences
Leading Kenyan Poets
Established Voices
Shailja Patel
- Known for: “Migritude” (performance poetry on migration, diaspora)
- Style: Political, feminist, powerful performance pieces
- Impact: International recognition, tours worldwide
- Where to find: Books at Text Book Centre (KES 1,500-2,500), YouTube performances
Warsan Shire (Kenyan-Somali, diaspora)
- Known for: “Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth”
- Style: Immigration, identity, womanhood, trauma
- Impact: Featured in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” global fame
- Where to find: Online poetry, social media (@warsanshire)
Khadijah Ibrahim Queen
- Known for: Spoken word performances, STEM poetry
- Style: Science meets art, accessible, educational
- Platform: Slam Africa events, YouTube
Njeri Wangari
- Known for: Feminist poetry, social justice themes
- Style: Bold, confrontational, political
- Where to find: Kenyan literary magazines, anthologies
Clifton Gachagua
- Known for: “Madman at Kilifi” (poetry collection)
- Style: Experimental, surreal, deeply personal
- Awards: Multiple literary awards
- Where to find: Text Book Centre, online bookstores (KES 1,800-2,800)
Sitawa Namwalie
- Known for: Performance poetry, theater
- Style: Gender, politics, social issues
- Platform: Nairobi performance spaces, international festivals
Emerging Poets to Watch
Mufasa Poet
- Popular spoken word artist
- Relatable themes: love, life struggles, success
- Platform: Social media (huge following), YouTube
Teardrops
- Fast-rising slam poet
- Style: Emotional, raw, heartfelt performances
- Platform: Slam Africa, social media
Wanjiru Koinange
- Also novelist, but started with poetry
- Style: Lyrical prose, feminist
- Published work in various anthologies
Ngartia
- Social media poet with massive following
- Style: Short, impactful pieces on relationships and life
- Platform: Instagram, Twitter
Poetry Events and Performance Spaces
Regular Events in Nairobi
Slam Africa
- What: Competitive poetry slams
- Where: Various venues (Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut)
- When: Monthly events
- Cost: KES 200-500 entry
- Format: Poets perform, judges score, audience engagement
- Sign up: Open mic slots available (arrive early)
Spoken Word Kenya
- What: Open mic poetry nights
- Where: Rotating venues (Kona Café, The Alchemist, others)
- When: Weekly/monthly
- Cost: Free to KES 300
- Format: Sign up, perform 3-5 minute piece
Kwani? Literary Events
- What: Poetry readings, book launches
- Where: Various cultural centers
- When: Check Kwani Trust social media
- Cost: Usually free or minimal
- Features: Established and emerging poets
Poetry at the Garden
- What: Outdoor poetry performances
- Where: Private gardens, parks
- When: Quarterly
- Format: Picnic-style, relaxed, family-friendly
The BlanketBox Poetry Sessions
- What: Intimate poetry gatherings
- Where: Small venues, living rooms
- Format: Close-knit, feedback-focused
Open Mic Nights at Cafés
- J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen: Thursday open mics (poetry welcome)
- Kona Café Westlands: Regular spoken word nights
- The Alchemist: Monthly poetry features
Major Annual Festivals
Storymoja Hay Festival
- When: September
- Where: Nairobi (various venues)
- What: Kenya’s biggest literary festival, poetry sessions daily
- Cost: Some events free, others KES 200-1,000
- Features: International and Kenyan poets, workshops, slams
Nairobi International Book Fair
- When: September
- Where: Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)
- What: Poetry readings, book launches
- Cost: Entry KES 100-300
Lolwe Festival (Kisumu)
- When: December
- Where: Kisumu, lakeside
- What: Lakeside poetry, music, arts
- Features: Regional poets, cultural poetry
Koroga Festival
- When: Quarterly
- Where: Various outdoor venues
- What: Music and spoken word fusion
- Cost: KES 1,500-3,000
- Features: Poetry performances between music acts
Getting Started as a Poet
Developing Your Craft
Write daily: Even 10 minutes, one poem a week minimum Read widely: Classic and contemporary poetry, Kenyan and international Study forms: Sonnets, haiku, free verse, slam poetry Find your voice: What themes call to you? What style feels natural? Revise: First drafts are rarely final—edit ruthlessly
Resources for learning:
- Online: Poetry Foundation website (free lessons)
- Books: “The Poetry Handbook” by John Lennard (KES 2,500)
- YouTube: Button Poetry, TED Talks on poetry
- Workshops: Storymoja, Kwani Trust offer occasional workshops (KES 1,000-5,000)
Building Confidence
Perform for friends: Start small, safe audience Record yourself: Hear how your words sound Join writing groups: Feedback helps you grow Attend open mics: Watch before performing Start performing: Sign up, do it scared
Performance tips:
- Know your poem by heart
- Practice delivery, pacing, emphasis
- Make eye contact
- Use hand gestures naturally
- Own the stage confidently
Publishing Your Poetry
Online Platforms
Social Media
- Instagram: Post with #KenyanPoetry #SpokenWordKE
- Twitter: Short poems work well, use hashtags
- YouTube: Record performances, build following
- Personal blog: Full control, showcase entire collections
Benefits: Instant audience, feedback, free, builds portfolio Challenges: Crowded, need consistency, copyright concerns
Online Literary Magazines
Jalada Africa
- Prestigious pan-African journal
- Accepts submissions from Kenyan writers
- Submission: Free, online portal
- Payment: Sometimes offers stipends
- Website: jaladaafrica.org
Brittle Paper
- African literature and culture magazine
- Poetry section active
- Submission: Free, email submissions
- Exposure: Large international readership
Ebedi Writers Residency (Nigeria, but accepts Kenyans)
- Annual anthology
- Submit during open calls
- Recognition in African literary circles
Kalahari Review
- Digital magazine featuring African poetry
- Free to submit
- Good for emerging poets
Praxis Magazine Online
- Accepts poetry submissions
- International platform with African focus
Print Publications
Kwani? Magazine
- Kenya’s premier literary journal
- Occasional poetry issues
- Submission: Check website for open calls
- Payment: Modest stipends (KES 5,000-15,000)
- Prestige: High—Kwani? is well-respected
The Elephant
- Online and occasional print
- Accepts poetry on social/political themes
- Free to submit
- Good exposure in Kenya
Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation (Uganda)
- Annual poetry anthology
- Prize: USD 1,000 for winner
- Open to East African poets
- Deadline: Usually June
StoryMoja Publishing
- Publishes poetry collections
- Submit manuscript (50+ poems)
- Advance: KES 20,000-100,000 if accepted
- Distribution: Good—books in major stores
Self-Publishing
Why self-publish:
- Full creative control
- Keep all profits
- Faster to market
- Build your brand
How to self-publish:
- Compile manuscript: 30-80 poems, organize thematically
- Edit professionally: Hire editor (KES 10,000-50,000) or trade edits with poets
- Design cover: Hire designer (KES 5,000-20,000) or use Canva
- Format interior: CreateSpace, Reedsy tools
- Print:
- Print-on-demand: Moran Publishers (KES 300-500 per copy)
- Bulk: 500 copies for KES 100,000-200,000
- Distribute: Bookstores (consignment), sell at events, online
Costs for self-publishing:
- Editing: KES 10,000-50,000
- Cover design: KES 5,000-20,000
- Printing (100 copies): KES 30,000-60,000
- ISBN: KES 2,000
- Total: KES 50,000-150,000
Recover through sales: Sell at KES 500-800 per copy.
Submission Tips
Prepare your manuscript:
- Clean formatting (Times New Roman 12pt, double-spaced)
- Author bio (50-100 words)
- Cover letter explaining your work
- Follow submission guidelines exactly
Where to submit:
- Read publication first—submit work that fits
- Simultaneous submissions okay (inform if accepted elsewhere)
- Don’t submit same poem to multiple places at once
- Track submissions (spreadsheet: where sent, when, response)
Rejection is normal:
- Even great poets get rejected 90%+ of the time
- Revise and resubmit elsewhere
- Keep submitting—persistence pays
Competitions and Awards
Brunel International African Poetry Prize
- Prize: £3,000 (about KES 500,000)
- Eligibility: African poets writing in English
- Entry: Free
- Prestige: High international recognition
Babishai Niwe Poetry Award
- Prize: USD 1,000 (KES 130,000)
- For: East African poets
- Entry: Free
- Includes: Publication in anthology
Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
- Prize: USD 1,000 + publication
- For: Unpublished poetry collections
- Entry: Free
- Prestigious: University of Nebraska Press publication
Writivism Short Story Prize (sometimes includes poetry)
- Prize: USD 300 (KES 40,000)
- Regional recognition
- Includes: Anthology publication
Storymoja Book Competitions
- Various categories, sometimes poetry
- Check website annually
- Prizes vary: KES 50,000-200,000
Building a Poetry Career
Income Sources
Performance fees: KES 2,000-20,000 per event (varies by reputation) Book sales: KES 500-1,000 per copy (if self-published, you keep all) Workshops: Teach poetry (KES 5,000-50,000 per workshop) Commissioned poems: Weddings, corporate events (KES 10,000-100,000) Fellowships/residencies: Some pay KES 50,000-300,000 Content creation: Poetry for brands, ads (KES 10,000-100,000)
Realistic expectations:
- Very few poets support themselves on poetry alone
- Most have day jobs, poetry as side income/passion
- Diversify: performance + books + workshops + commissioned work
- Build reputation slowly over years
Building Your Brand
Social media presence:
- Post regularly (2-3 times weekly)
- Mix original poetry with thoughts on craft
- Engage with other poets’ work
- Use video (spoken word clips perform well)
Website/portfolio:
- Showcase your best work
- Bio and press/performance history
- Contact info for bookings
- Blog about poetry and writing
Networking:
- Attend events regularly
- Connect with other poets, organizers
- Collaborate (joint performances, anthologies)
- Support others’ work genuinely
Media:
- Pitch to podcasts, radio (Homeboyz Radio, etc.)
- Local TV cultural shows
- Newspaper op-eds or poetry submissions
- Literary blogs and magazines
Poetry Communities in Kenya
Kwani Trust
- Kenya’s leading literary organization
- Hosts events, publishes writers
- Join mailing list for opportunities
- Website: kwani.org
Storymoja Africa
- Publishes books, hosts festivals
- Runs writing workshops
- Active literary community
- Website: storymoja.org
Jalada Africa
- Pan-African writers collective
- Online community, annual anthology
- Submit work, join discussions
Facebook Groups:
- Kenya Poets Lounge
- Spoken Word Kenya
- African Writers Network
- Active discussions, event announcements, feedback
WhatsApp Groups:
- Many local poetry communities
- Ask at events to join
- Daily poem sharing, support
Poetry Styles Popular in Kenya
Slam/Performance Poetry
- Meant to be spoken aloud
- Emphasizes delivery, emotion, audience connection
- Often political, personal, urgent
- Examples: Mufasa, Khadijah Ibrahim Queen
Lyric Poetry
- Personal, emotional, musical language
- Often shorter, introspective
- Examples: Clifton Gachagua
Political/Social Justice Poetry
- Addresses inequality, corruption, social issues
- Direct, powerful messages
- Examples: Shailja Patel, Njeri Wangari
Experimental Poetry
- Plays with form, language, structure
- Less accessible but artistically bold
- Growing in Kenya’s literary scene
Romantic/Love Poetry
- Always popular
- Modern takes on relationships, dating, heartbreak
- Social media poets excel here
Resources for Kenyan Poets
Books on craft:
- “The Poetry Handbook” by John Lennard (KES 2,500)
- “In the Palm of Your Hand” by Steve Kowit (KES 3,000)
- Online: Poetry Foundation tutorials (free)
Where to buy poetry books:
- Text Book Centre: Best poetry selection
- Prestige Bookshop: Kenyan and international poetry
- Nuria Store: Kenyan poetry ebooks
- Amazon Kindle: International poetry, cheap
Writing tools:
- Scrivener: Organize manuscripts (KES 6,500 one-time)
- Google Docs: Free, accessible anywhere
- Notebook and pen: Still the poet’s best friend
Conclusion
Kenya’s poetry scene offers something for everyone—from intimate book readings to high-energy slam competitions. Whether you write quietly in notebooks or command stages at packed events, there’s space for your voice.
Start by attending one event this month. Watch the poets. Feel the energy. If you write, sign up for an open mic. If you don’t write yet, let the performances inspire you to start.
The Kenyan poetry community is welcoming, supportive, and growing. Your perspective is needed. Your words matter.
Write your truth. Share it boldly. The stage is waiting.