Kenya Archives

‘I Love Books That Evoke an Emotional Reaction in Me’ Muthoni Muiruri’s First Draft

Muthoni MuiruriDecember 1, 2023

Kenyan publisher and co-founder of Soma Nami Books, Muthoni Muiruri, loves to read books that are intellectually stimulating and evoke an emotional reaction: ‘If a book makes me cry and teaches me empathy; if the characters stay with me long after reading, I consider that a forever book. I am also extremely grateful for books that teach me something, that challenge me and force me to reckon with my ignorance and biases and that compel me to want to research and learn.’

December/January 2023First DraftInterviewsKenya

The Many Faces of Binyavanga Wainaina The Important Truths in How to Write About Africa

Carey BarakaNovember 4, 2023

The late Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, made a career out of collecting and creating certain truths, whether of Africa, or of food, or of colonialism, or of racism, or of any of the other things that excited him intellectually. In a new posthumous collection of essays collected by Achal Prabhala, the truths most important to him are presented to us.

Best of 2023: EssaysKenyaOctober/November 2023

‘The Most Powerful Texts Build Bridges Between People’ Mumbi Kanyogo's First Draft

Mumbi KanyogoFebruary 10, 2023

Kenyan author, Mumbi Kanyogo, is interested in the contradicting stories told about domestic workers.

February/March 2023First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsKenya

‘Sisi Pia ni Watu’ In Kenya, Domestic Workers Resist Exploitation

Mumbi KanyogoNovember 7, 2022

For many years in Nairobi, domestic work has been synonymous with exploitation. What does the future hold for Kenya’s domestic workers and their allies, who are actively organizing to transform domestic work into dignified work?

Best of 2022KenyaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

COP27: Abigael Kima’s Cautious Optimism An Interview with Climate Activist, Abigael Kima

Elizabeth AbatiOctober 26, 2022

Africa is an important voice in the climate debate, Abigael Kima argues ahead of COP27. ‘Because although we are only responsible for 0.5 per cent of historical emissions and less than 4 per cent of the global emissions at the moment, we are the most negatively impacted.’

InterviewsKenyaOctober/November 2022Special Focus: COP27

The ‘Son of a Nobody’ That Became President William Ruto Wins Kenya’s 2022 Presidential Election

Wemi MoyelaAugust 23, 2022

Kenya's deputy president, William Ruto, wins the 2022 presidential election amidst allegations of electoral malpractice and calls for annulment. Read more.

August/September 2022KenyaNews

‘African Countries Need to Speak With One Voice’ Tabitha Mwangi’s First Draft

Karen Wangui MwangiMay 13, 2022

Lecturer and author of ‘Kremlin’s Renewed Interest: Russia’s Emerging Threat to Elections in Africa’, Tabitha Mwangi, is sceptical about foreign interest in Africa. Read our interview.

April/May 2022First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsKenya

Why Facebook Has Been Accused of Poor Working Conditions in Kenya

Tomisin AwosikaFebruary 17, 2022

According to a TIME investigation, Facebook content moderators in Kenya have revealed how their workplace culture is characterized by low pay, mental trauma, intimidation and the suppression of the right to unionize. Read more.

February/March 2022KenyaNews

A Kenyan Court Has Recognized Housework as Paid Work

Chiamaka DikeDecember 23, 2021

A Kenyan Court has decided to give Mary Wambui half of her marital home for the 13 years she spent doing house chores. Read more.

December 2021KenyaNews

Students in the Struggle for Kenyan Democracy A Brief History of University Student Activism in Kenya

Kasajja ByakikaDecember 1, 2021

Student activism in Kenya is a form of protest and resistance against oppression. At its very heart, it is also a demonstration of leadership and the capacity for mass mobilization. Read more.

December 21/January 22Kenya