Iranian literary riches on display at Nairobi book fair
Iran showcased over 300 books at the 26th Nairobi International Book Fair, held from 24 to 28 September at the Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands, Nairobi.
The Iranian Cultural Council in Nairobi organized the display, covering literature, art, religion, and children’s titles, marking Tehran’s third consecutive participation in the annual four-day event. The booth, measuring 12 square meters, was managed by Iran’s Cultural Attaché with backing from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, IRNA reported.
The fair, which drew more than 128 Kenyan and East African publishers, also featured participants from Turkey, Tanzania, India, China, France and the Netherlands.
Iran’s presence was part of a broader cultural exchange initiative formalized under a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA).
The agreement guarantees Iranian exhibitors a free booth, allowing the country to highlight its artistic and literary heritage without commercial constraints.
During the opening ceremony, Kimaru, Chairman of KPA and President of the East African Publishers Association, paid tribute to the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, describing her as “an inspiration” for environmental activism and sustainable development.
Her legacy was honored through storytelling sessions for children and exhibitions centered on climate awareness, linking literature with social consciousness. An online message from Maathai’s daughter in the United States expressed gratitude for the fair’s dedication to her mother, noting it was “a fitting tribute” to Kenya’s literary icon.
Iran’s exhibition featured books in Persian, English and Swahili, with a strong focus on art, literature, Iranology and religious studies. Posters and curated displays highlighted historical and contemporary Iranian authors.
Iran has nurtured relations with Kenyan publishers over the past two years, following reciprocal visits by KPA officials to Tehran International Book Fair, strengthening bilateral literary ties.
Beyond book displays, the fair offered a full program of seminars and workshops addressing practical challenges in the publishing sector. Topics ranged from copyright and taxation issues to the high cost of importing and printing textbooks.
Industry experts and educators discussed strategies to overcome these hurdles, aiming to expand literacy in a country where reading rates remain low. Children’s literature, tribal novels, and educational supplements drew particular attention from students and parents seeking affordable learning materials.