Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be honoured posthumously with a Hall of Fame award at this year's Nairobi International Book Fair, with organisers recognising his contribution to writing and the publishing industry.
The recognition will form part of the annual book fair at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday under the theme Read, Think, Lead.
Organisers say Raila will be recognised alongside reading advocate Lilian Nyariki and veteran author and publisher Malkiat Singh.
Although Raila was best known nationally for his decades in politics and public service, he also contributed to Kenya's literary landscape through published works documenting his life, political experiences and views.
His best-known work, The Flame of Freedom, chronicles his personal and political journey, including his family background, detention, political activism and role in Kenya's democratic transition.
The Hall of Fame recognition places greater focus on that aspect of his legacy, acknowledging his contribution as a writer in addition to the political career for which he was widely known.
The award will be presented during a Nairobi International Book Fair that organisers expect to attract at least 60,000 visitors, including children and young readers.
That would represent a significant increase from the 36,247 visitors recorded at the previous edition.
Exhibitors from several countries, including China, Türkiye, Egypt, South Africa and Zimbabwe, are expected to participate.
Organisers say this year's programme will extend beyond traditional book exhibitions by giving visitors opportunities to meet authors, discover new publications and interact with writers, illustrators, editors, publishers and booksellers.
The event will also host one of Kenya's notable literary awards, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature. Three books have been shortlisted in the 2026 English Adult Category: Nandi Bear by Abenea Ndago, Clan of Warriors by Ken N. Kamoche and Old Money by Charles Chanchori.
The winner and runners-up are expected to be announced during the official closing ceremony, with the category winner receiving Sh150,000. The fair comes at a challenging period for parts of Kenya's publishing industry.
Publishers have raised concerns over outstanding government payments, piracy, textbook distribution and changes being introduced as the education system transitions further into competency-based learning.
The Kenya Publishers Association has also called for accurate Grade 11 enrolment data to allow publishers to determine how many learning materials should be printed and distributed.
Against that backdrop, organisers are positioning the Nairobi International Book Fair as both an industry gathering and an opportunity to encourage a stronger reading culture.
Raila's posthumous recognition will add another dimension to the event by highlighting the written contribution of one of Kenya's most prominent public figures alongside people whose careers have been centred more directly on books, publishing and reading advocacy.
