Macondo Book Society & Literature Live! invite Kenyan and Indian poets to apply for a cross‑cultural nature poetry retreat in Turkana

The Macondo Book Society (Kenya) and Literature Live! (India) are pleased to invite applications from Kenyan and Indian poets for a funded, week-long writing retreat at the Turkana Basin Institute in Northern Kenya, scheduled for May 2026. This immersive program is designed for poets whose work centers on the non-human world, seeking to expand poetic perspectives and deepen engagement with more-than-human ecology, including plants, animals, oceans, and landscapes. Turkana Basin Institute is the third partner in this endeavor.

Last year Macondo Book Society initiated an inaugural five-day event marking the beginning of this specialized nature poetry retreat series. The retreats are a strategic expansion from the Society’s annual Macondo Literary Festival, which remains a premier gathering for African literature enthusiasts in Nairobi. Announcing the second call for applications, Macondo co-founder Anja Bengelstorff noted:

We were fortunate to have four outstanding poets for our first nature poetry retreat who connected deeply and quickly. Their curiosity about the environment and each other as artists fostered a bond that lasted well beyond the retreat. Keeping the group small ensures the exchange and learning remain truly collaborative and intensive.”

2025 retreat cohorts in session in Nairobi

Following the success of the 2025 inaugural retreat, which featured poets from Kenya and Scotland, this second edition will bring together four poets—two from Kenya and two from India—to immerse themselves in the unique environment of Turkana, famously known as the “cradle of humankind.” Based on feedback from the previous cohort, the program has been enhanced.

Last year was incredibly insightful thanks to the TBI team sharing their research and leading excursions,” says Bengelstorff. “However, the poets expressed a desire for more time to reflect and write. In response, we have extended the retreat by several days. This year, we are pairing Kenyan poets with those from India, a country with deep historical links to East Africa. We are eager to see the creative material that emerges from their shared time in Turkana.”

Representing the Indian partnership, Quasar Thakore Padamsee, Co-director of Literature Live!, emphasized the importance of building cross-cultural connections in a fragmented world.

When Anil Dharker formed Literature Live!, the core mission was to celebrate literature and provide accessible literary opportunities. This retreat is a direct continuation of those principles. In an increasingly divided world, cross-national connections made through the arts are essential. Turkana is an incredible landscape; for Indian poets to experience it alongside their Kenyan peers will undoubtedly enhance their understanding of the world and refine how they write about nature.”

Poets from Kenya and India are welcome to apply till 20th February by submitting 2 poems in any style, and a 500-word proposal on how this opportunity will impact and develop their practice via the link below.

Submissions will be selected from a panel of four jurists; Anja Bengelstorff (Macondo Literary Festival) and Ngwatilo Mawiyoo for Kenya, and Reena Agrawal (Literature Live!) and Shubhangi Swarup for India.

Selected poets will have their flights, accommodation and excursions in Turkana covered (more on the retreat offerings below). A modest honorarium will also be made available for the selected participants. Lastly, poets will be able to present their work at a public event in Nairobi.

Application Guidelines

Who can apply

Open to poets working in any style who:

  • Reside in Kenya or India

  • Are 18 years of age or older

  • Demonstrate a dedicated interest in the natural world

What is included

Selected poets will receive:

  • Return flights to Turkana

  • Accommodation, retreat activities, and guided excursions

  • A modest honorarium

  • A featured performance at a public showcase in Nairobi, Kenya, following the retreat

Important note for applicants

Kenyan applicants:

See Also
July Art Guide

  • Accommodation in Nairobi for Kenyan residents is not provided

  • For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Submission requirements

Please submit the following via the linked Google Form:

  • Two Poems: Any style, published or unpublished. (Kenyan poets may submit in Swahili; Indian poets must submit in English)

  • Proposal: A maximum 500-word statement outlining how this opportunity will impact and develop your practice.

  • Please add your full name to each document you submit.

  • Format: Please include your full name on every document.

Video submissions are welcome but must be accompanied by a written transcript.

Deadlne for submission: 20 February 2026

Selection announcement: 14 March 2026

Residency: May 2026