Whether you’re drawn by powerful storytelling, political discourse, or vibrant children’s programming, Nairobi Litfest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of ideas, culture, and community.
From 26–29 June 2025, Nairobi Litfest—also known as NBO LitFest—is back for its fourth edition, transformed into a dynamic “Festival of Ideas.”
The festival is hosted by Book Bunk, the organization behind the ongoing restoration of Nairobi’s public libraries. True to their mission, the events will be held in the very spaces they are helping to transform: McMillan Memorial, Kaloleni, and Eastlands libraries. These historic buildings become more than just venues—they’re part of the story.
This year’s gathering, themed “Exploring Alternative Knowledge Systems,” invites us to rethink how stories, memory, and imagination shape our collective future.
NBO Litfest 2024 Author’s Panel
Since its founding, Nairobi Litfest has been a celebration of art, culture, and ideas, rooted in the city’s public libraries. It has brought together writers, artists, and thinkers from across Africa and beyond — creating space for bold conversations, creative exchange, and community connection. We expect more of this at the upcoming 2025 edition.
Why this year’s festival stands out
In 2024, Book Bunk and the Hay Festival Global joined forces for a new chapter in NBO LitFest’s journey, presenting a collaborative edition that brought together over 60 writers across 32 events. Over 1,400 people tuned in, in-person and online. This year aims even higher with 43 sessions featuring more than 60 thought leaders from Africa and around the globe.
NBO Litfest Team 2024
Book Bunk Co-Founder and Nairobi Litfest Co-Director Angela Wachuka says:
“We are excited to once again partner with Hay Festival Global and gather people from all over the world in Nairobi, anchoring critical conversations in the city’s public libraries. This annual festival showcases public libraries as part of Nairobi’s crucial public infrastructure – safe spaces where people can access alternative thinking at a time especially fraught with polarisation. We welcome everyone to these precious Palaces for The People.”
Exploring Alternative Knowledge Systems
This year’s theme invites deep reflection, radical imagination, and collective action in a world that urgently needs fresh thinking. The festival will feature conversations and experiences that challenge harmful ideologies, address structural inequality and counter the paralysis of the 24-hour news cycle. The festival will gather writers, artists and thinkers from diverse disciplines to explore alternative knowledge systems spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music, visual arts and governance.
The theme draws inspiration from Octavia E. Butler’s words: “There is no end to what a living world will demand of you.”
At this critical moment of rising inequality, misinformation, and ideological divides, the festival champions radical imagination and the transformation of public space into platforms for collective resistance.
Masterclass at NBO Litfest 2024
Highlights
What to look forward to:
- Masterclasses & Workshops (Pre-registration required)
– Poetry with Forward Prize winner Momtaza Mehri
– Podcasting hosted by Astrid Madimba & Chinny Ukata
– Photography with Luis Tato, a World Press Photo winner
– Writing session with Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (OCM Bocas Prize)
- Radical archives & media
- Engage with the work of Africa is a Country, Ukombozi Library, and Panashe Chigumadzi, exploring how storytelling archives can challenge dominant narratives.
Image Copyright of Peter Irungu.
- Children’s Festival
- A colourful weekend of storytelling, interactive workshops, film screenings, and book giveaways, featuring authors and performers like Venna Odhiambo, Velia Vidal, and storyteller Orpah Agunda.
- Global conversations
- Hear from acclaimed authors and thinkers like Pankaj Mishra, Joe Sacco, In Koli Jean Bofane, and Prof Kithaka wa Mberia about pressing global and local issues.
- Provocative panels that examine art and activism as tools for change.
- “The Woman as Free” featuring award-winners Leïla Slimani, Goretti Kyomuhendo, and Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
- “Everything is Political” with Ntone Edjabe, Agustín Laó‑Montes, and Rosie Olang’
- Closing Night Jams
- Under the banner “For the people, by the people,” the festival wraps up with a DJ set
Why it matters
This festival isn’t just about literature—it’s about sparking transformation. By merging creative arts, radical storytelling, and community infrastructure, Nairobi Litfest is a model for how public libraries can become dynamic civic centres. It embodies a powerful local-global blend—rooted in Nairobi, connected to the world.
Audience participation NBO Litfest 2024
Final word
From exploring decolonised archives to celebrating artistic freedom, Nairobi Litfest 2025 is an invitation to rethink the role of public dialogue in shaping our future. Whether you’re a dedicated reader, curious thinker, educator, artist, or just curious, this festival has something for you. Join the conversation at these “precious palaces for the people” and help spark the radical imagination we so deeply need today.