Book clubs bring readers together to share ideas, discover new books, and build community. Here’s how to start and run a successful book club in Kenya.
Why Start a Book Club?
Social connection: Meet like-minded people who love reading Discover new books: Members recommend titles you might not find alone Deeper understanding: Discussing books reveals insights you’d miss reading alone Accountability: Regular meetings motivate you to read more Fun: Book clubs combine reading with socializing
Types of Book Clubs
In-Person Clubs
Meet physically at homes, cafés, libraries, or offices.
Advantages:
- Face-to-face interaction
- Social aspect stronger
- Better for deeper discussions
Challenges:
- Location and timing coordination
- Limited to local members
- Weather and traffic affect attendance
Virtual Clubs
Meet via Zoom, WhatsApp, or other platforms.
Advantages:
- Members anywhere in Kenya (or world)
- No travel time
- Flexible scheduling
Challenges:
- Less personal connection
- Technical issues
- Distractions at home
Hybrid Clubs
Combine in-person and virtual meetings.
Best of both: Flexibility plus personal connection when possible.
Starting Your Book Club
Step 1: Define Your Club’s Focus
General fiction: Any fiction genre, maximum variety Specific genre: Mystery, romance, sci-fi, literary fiction Kenyan/African literature: Support local authors, understand our stories Professional development: Business books, self-help, productivity Classics: Timeless works from around the world Mix: Alternate between types each month
Clear focus helps attract the right members and choose appropriate books.
Step 2: Find Members
Where to recruit:
- Friends and family (start with 4-6 people)
- Work colleagues
- Church or community groups
- Social media (Facebook groups: Kenya Book Club, Nairobi Readers)
- Libraries (post notices, ask librarians)
- Existing reading groups (join rather than start new)
Ideal size: 6-12 members
- Too small (under 5): Limited discussion perspectives
- Too large (over 15): Hard to coordinate, some voices get lost
Step 3: Set Ground Rules
Establish clear expectations from the start:
Meeting frequency: Monthly is most common, gives time to read Meeting day/time: Choose what works for majority (weekends popular) Book selection process: Rotation, voting, or organizer chooses Discussion format: Structured questions or free-flowing Attendance expectations: Okay to miss occasionally but commit to most Reading deadline: Finish before meeting (audiobooks count!)
Write these down and share with all members.
Step 4: Choose Your First Book
Make it accessible and engaging to hook members:
Good first book characteristics:
- Not too long (250-400 pages ideal)
- Available in Kenya (physical or ebook)
- Affordable (under KES 2,000)
- Discussion-worthy (themes, characters to debate)
- Reasonably enjoyable (save difficult books for later)
Suggested first books:
- “The Havoc of Choice” by Wanjiru Koinange (contemporary, Kenyan)
- “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (engaging, discussion-rich)
- “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (historical, powerful)
- “Going Down River Road” by Meja Mwangi (Kenyan classic, short)
Step 5: Set Meeting Logistics
Location options:
- Member homes: Rotate hosting, intimate, free
- Cafés/restaurants: Java, Artcaffe (buy drinks/snacks, KES 300-800 per person)
- Libraries: Free, quiet, but limited hours
- Office meeting rooms: If available, convenient for work clubs
- Parks: Free, weather-dependent, casual
Virtual platforms:
- WhatsApp: Free, accessible, good for small groups
- Zoom: Free for 40 minutes, paid KES 1,500/month for longer
- Google Meet: Free for 60 minutes with Google account
Timing:
- Most clubs meet 1.5-2 hours
- Weekends: Saturday/Sunday 2-4pm popular
- Weekday evenings: 6-8pm for working members
Running Effective Meetings
Before the Meeting
Reminder (1 week before):
- Confirm date, time, location
- Share discussion questions
- Remind members to finish the book
Prepare questions:
- 8-12 discussion questions
- Mix of plot, theme, character, personal reflection
- Avoid yes/no questions
Example questions for any book:
- What was your overall impression?
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- What themes stood out to you?
- How did the setting affect the story?
- What surprised you?
- Would you recommend this book? To whom?
- How does this relate to your own experience?
- What will you remember about this book in a year?
During the Meeting
Opening (10 minutes):
- Welcome, snacks/drinks
- Quick check-in (how’s everyone?)
- Introduce any new members
Discussion (60-75 minutes):
- Start with general impressions (everyone shares briefly)
- Work through discussion questions
- Allow tangents if interesting
- Ensure everyone participates (gently draw out quiet members)
- Moderator keeps time and prevents domination
Book selection (10-15 minutes):
- Discuss next book
- Vote or use predetermined system
- Ensure book is available before committing
Closing (5 minutes):
- Confirm next meeting details
- Thank host
- Social time (optional, can extend indefinitely!)
Facilitation Tips
Encourage participation:
- “Jane, what did you think about…?”
- “We haven’t heard from Tom yet—any thoughts?”
Handle dominating members:
- “Great point! Let’s hear other perspectives.”
- Set speaking time limits if necessary
Manage spoilers:
- Warn before revealing major plot points
- Don’t discuss endings too early
Stay respectful:
- All opinions valid—disagree kindly
- Focus on the book, not attacking members’ taste
Choosing Books
Book Selection Methods
Rotation: Each member chooses in turn
- Fair, democratic
- Variety guaranteed
- Some picks may not appeal to all
Voting: Members suggest, then vote
- Most democratic
- Can create favorites/disappointments
- Takes time
Thematic: Choose theme, then books that fit
- “Books by African women” month
- “Historical fiction” month
- Adds structure and interest
Mix: Alternate methods
- Member choice one month, genre focus next
- Keeps it fresh
Book Selection Criteria
Availability: Can members get it easily in Kenya? Cost: Is it affordable (under KES 2,500)? Length: Can members finish in a month (under 500 pages generally)? Discussion potential: Does it have depth, themes, controversial elements? Variety: Balance heavy/light, old/new, Kenyan/international
Where to Buy Books in Kenya
Physical stores:
- Text Book Centre: Best selection (KES 800-3,500)
- Prestige Bookshop: Good variety (similar prices)
- Book Stop: Smaller but curated selection
Online:
- Amazon Kindle: Instant, often cheaper (KES 500-1,500)
- Book Depository: Free shipping to Kenya
- Nuria Store: Kenyan books, ebooks
Cost-saving:
- Pass books around (if same edition)
- Library books (free!)
- Ebook sharing (follow copyright rules)
- Buy used (Facebook groups, Jiji)
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Members Don’t Finish Books
Solutions:
- Choose shorter books
- Extend to 6 weeks instead of 4
- Mid-month check-in to motivate
- Accept that some won’t finish—discuss what they read
Challenge: Poor Attendance
Solutions:
- Poll for best day/time
- Virtual option for those who can’t make it
- Clear commitment expectation upfront
- Keep core group of 6-8 reliable members
Challenge: Discussions Fall Flat
Solutions:
- Better discussion questions
- Choose more engaging books
- Mix up discussion format
- Invite author or expert occasionally
Challenge: One Person Dominates
Solutions:
- Speaking time limits
- Round-robin sharing
- Private word with that member
- Structured format (everyone shares before open discussion)
Challenge: Book Tastes Too Different
Solutions:
- Alternate heavy/light books
- Genre rotation
- Accept you won’t love every pick
- Focus on discussion, not just enjoyment
Enhancing Your Book Club
Special Events
Author visits: Invite Kenyan authors (many willing for small fee or free) Movie nights: Watch book adaptations after reading Book-themed parties: Dress as characters, themed food Library/bookstore trips: Field trips for book shopping Annual retreat: Full day or weekend reading retreat
Fundraising Ideas
If your club wants budget for activities:
- Membership dues (KES 500-2,000 annually)
- Book sales (members donate books, sell to raise funds)
- Sponsored readings (local businesses sponsor events)
Tracking and Documentation
Keep records:
- Books read (title, author, date)
- Member attendance
- Meeting notes (key discussion points)
- Ratings (members rate each book)
Benefits:
- See your reading journey
- Avoid re-reading
- Remember great discussions
- Refer back to book recommendations
Simple Google Doc or notebook works fine.
Book Club Etiquette
Do:
- Finish the book (or at least most of it)
- Arrive on time
- Participate actively
- Listen respectfully
- Keep confidentiality (what’s shared in club stays in club)
- Bring snacks if hosting
- Thank the host
Don’t:
- Dominate discussion
- Shame others’ opinions
- Give spoilers without warning
- Use phones during discussion
- Miss repeatedly without notice
- Criticize member taste harshly
Virtual Book Club Tips
Platform choice: Zoom works well for structured discussions Video on: Encourages engagement Chat function: Shy members can participate Share screens: Show book covers, passages Recording: Only with everyone’s permission Shorter meetings: 60-90 minutes max (screen fatigue)
Sample Annual Reading Plan
January: Light, optimistic start February: Romance (Valentine’s month) March: Women’s voices (International Women’s Day) April: Mystery/thriller May: Kenyan author June: Classic literature July: Biography/memoir August: African author (any country) September: Book club choice (most requested) October: Short story collection November: Prize winner (Booker, Pulitzer, Caine) December: Light, festive
Balance ensures variety and maintains interest.
Costs Breakdown
Starting Costs (One-Time)
- Discussion question templates: Free (online resources)
- Communication group (WhatsApp): Free
- Initial meeting supplies: KES 500-2,000 (if hosting)
Total startup: KES 500-2,000 or less
Ongoing Costs (Monthly)
- Books: KES 800-2,500 per member per month
- Venue (if café): KES 300-800 per person
- Snacks (if hosting): KES 500-1,500
- Virtual platform (if paid Zoom): KES 1,500/month
Average member cost: KES 1,500-4,000 per month
Reduce costs by meeting at homes, using library books, and potluck snacks.
Joining Existing Book Clubs
Not ready to start your own? Join an existing club:
Nairobi Book Club: Facebook group, regular meetings Storymoja Book Club: Associated with Storymoja Festival Work clubs: Ask if your company has one Church groups: Many churches have book clubs Online communities: Virtual clubs welcome members anywhere
Benefits of joining:
- No organizational burden
- Established structure
- Existing community
- Learn before starting your own
Conclusion
Starting a book club is simple: gather readers, choose books, meet regularly, discuss. The magic happens when diverse perspectives come together around shared stories.
Your book club doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be consistent, welcoming, and focused on the joy of reading and discussion.
Start small—4-6 friends, one book, one meeting. If it works, it will grow naturally. If not, you’ve still read a great book with friends.
Kenya’s reading culture is growing. Book clubs build community around literature, support local authors, and make reading social and fun.
Ready to start? Text three friends right now. Choose your first book. Set a date. That’s all it takes.
Happy reading and discussing!