So you want to write? Whether it’s fiction, poetry, journalism, or content creation, Kenya’s literary scene welcomes new voices. Here’s your practical guide to starting your writing journey in Kenya.
Why Write?
Before diving into how, understand why writing matters:
Personal expression: Share your unique perspective and experiences Document our stories: Kenya’s stories need Kenyan voices Career opportunities: Writing skills open many doors Creative fulfillment: Writing satisfies the creative urge Impact: Words can change minds, inspire action, preserve history
Writing is not just for “talented” people. It’s a skill anyone can develop with practice and persistence.
Finding Your Writing Path
Types of Writing to Explore
Creative writing:
- Fiction (short stories, novels)
- Poetry
- Creative nonfiction (memoirs, personal essays)
- Playwriting
Professional writing:
- Journalism (news, features, investigations)
- Content writing (blogs, websites, marketing)
- Technical writing (manuals, documentation)
- Academic writing (research, essays)
Hybrid opportunities:
- Column writing
- Commentary and opinion
- Reviews (books, films, restaurants)
- Travel writing
Try different forms to discover what excites you most. Many writers work across multiple forms.
Getting Started: The First Steps
1. Write Every Day
The single most important habit: write daily, even if just 15-30 minutes.
Morning pages: Write 3 pages of whatever comes to mind each morning. Clears your head, builds writing muscle.
Set a word count: Aim for 250-500 words daily. Small but consistent beats occasional bursts.
Use prompts: Stuck? Use writing prompts. Many free online or buy prompt books (KES 500-1,500).
Tools you need:
- Notebook and pen (KES 100-500)
- Or computer/phone with writing app (free: Google Docs, Evernote)
That’s it. No expensive equipment needed.
2. Read Widely and Actively
Writers must be readers. Read in your chosen genre, but also outside it.
Read like a writer:
- Notice how authors start stories
- Study dialogue techniques
- Observe how they describe settings
- Analyze story structure
Kenyan authors to study: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Binyavanga Wainaina, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Meja Mwangi (see our Kenyan Authors guide).
International classics: Chinua Achebe, Toni Morrison, Gabriel García Márquez, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Budget: KES 1,000-3,000 monthly for books. Use libraries to save money.
3. Study the Craft
Writing is art, but it’s also craft—techniques you can learn.
Free online resources:
- YouTube channels: Brandon Sanderson lectures, Jenna Moreci, Shaelin Writes
- Blogs: Writers Digest, Jane Friedman, The Creative Penn
- Podcasts: Writing Excuses, The Creative Penn Podcast
Paid courses (if budget allows):
- Coursera: Creative Writing specializations ($30-50 USD)
- Masterclass: Author classes ($180 USD/year for all classes)
- Local workshops: KES 2,000-15,000
Books on writing:
- “On Writing” by Stephen King (KES 1,800-2,500)
- “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott (KES 1,500-2,200)
- “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White (KES 800-1,500)
Start with free resources. Invest in paid options as you progress.
4. Find Your Voice
Your voice is what makes your writing uniquely yours. It develops over time, but you can cultivate it.
Tips for developing voice:
- Write like you talk (then edit for clarity)
- Don’t imitate others—be yourself
- Write about what matters to you
- Embrace your Kenyan perspective
- Include Sheng, local references if natural (own your context)
Your Kenyanness is an asset, not a limitation. The world wants authentic voices from everywhere.
Joining the Writing Community
Writing can be solitary, but writers need community.
Writing Groups in Kenya
Nairobi:
- Kwani? Writers workshops: Occasional, check their website
- Storymoja Writers’ Club: Monthly meetings
- Nairobi Writing Circle: Facebook group, meetups
- Jalada Africa: Pan-African collective, online
Online communities:
- Facebook: Kenya Writers Hub, Writers Guild Kenya
- Twitter: #KenyanWriters hashtag
- WhatsApp groups: Ask fellow writers for invitations
Starting your own group: Can’t find a group? Start one with 3-5 writer friends. Meet monthly to share work and feedback.
Writing Classes and Workshops
Storymoja Writers’ Workshops:
- Annual during Storymoja Festival
- Various levels and genres
- Cost: KES 3,000-10,000
Kwani? Manuscript Project:
- Mentorship for novels
- Free but competitive application
Nairobi Literary Festival:
- Workshops during the festival
- Connect with local and international authors
University classes (non-degree):
- University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University
- Sometimes offer short courses
Online global workshops:
- Writers.com (USA-based but online)
- Gotham Writers Workshop
- Cost: $200-600 USD but comprehensive
Getting Feedback
Feedback helps you improve. Seek it actively.
Where to Get Feedback
Writing groups: Members critique each other’s work
Beta readers: Friends or fellow writers who read early drafts
Professional editors: Pay for detailed feedback (KES 5-15 per word for editing)
Writing contests: Judges’ comments offer insight
Online platforms: Wattpad, Medium allow readers to comment
How to Give and Receive Feedback
Receiving:
- Don’t defend your work—listen and learn
- Not all feedback is useful—evaluate it
- Look for patterns (multiple people mention same issue)
- Thank your readers—they’re helping you
Giving:
- Be specific (“The dialogue in scene 3 felt forced” vs. “I didn’t like it”)
- Balance criticism with what works
- Focus on the writing, not the writer
- Be kind—this is someone’s creative effort
Publishing Options in Kenya
Magazines and Journals
Literary journals:
- Kwani?: Kenya’s premier literary journal (submissions open periodically)
- Jalada Africa: Pan-African collective, online
- Enkare Review: East African literary journal
Newspapers:
- Daily Nation “Saturday Magazine”: Features and human interest
- Standard “Pulse”: Lifestyle and features
- Business Daily: Business and opinion pieces
Payment: KES 2,000-15,000 per published piece depending on publication and length.
Book Publishers
Kenyan publishers:
- East African Educational Publishers: Fiction and nonfiction
- Kwani Trust: Literary fiction
- Storymoja Publishers: Children’s books, YA, adult fiction
- Acacia Publishers: Various genres
Process:
- Submit according to their guidelines (check websites)
- Wait 3-6 months for response
- If accepted, contract typically gives 10-15% royalty
Challenges:
- Kenyan publishers have limited capacity
- Advance payments rare
- Marketing support minimal
Self-Publishing
Increasingly popular option for Kenyan writers.
Platforms:
- Amazon KDP: Publish ebooks and print books, sell globally
- Smashwords: Distribute to multiple ebook retailers
- IngramSpark: Professional print and ebook distribution
Costs:
- DIY: Free to upload, but need editing and cover design
- Professional services: KES 50,000-200,000 for editing, cover, formatting
Pros:
- Keep creative control
- Higher royalty percentage (35-70%)
- Faster to market
- Build your own brand
Cons:
- Must handle all marketing yourself
- Upfront costs for quality production
- Harder to get bookstore distribution in Kenya
Online Platforms
Start building audience before traditional publishing.
Medium: Write articles, build following, earn from Partner Program
Wattpad: Share serialized fiction, build readership
Your own blog: WordPress, Blogger (free), or premium site (KES 3,000-10,000 annually)
Substack: Email newsletter platform, can charge for subscriptions
These platforms help you practice, get feedback, and build an audience that publishers notice.
Making Money from Writing
Freelance Writing
While building your creative career, freelance pays bills.
Content writing:
- Blogs, website copy, social media
- Pay: KES 200-1,500 per 500 words depending on client and experience
Where to find clients:
- Upwork, Fiverr: Global platforms (competition high, rates low initially)
- Facebook groups: Kenya Freelance Writers, Kenyan Writers
- Direct outreach: Email Kenyan companies offering writing services
- Networking: Attend events, meet people who need writers
Building portfolio:
- Start with lower rates to get experience
- Create sample pieces if needed
- Request testimonials from satisfied clients
- Gradually increase rates as you gain skills
Realistic income:
- Part-time (10 hours/week): KES 20,000-50,000 monthly
- Full-time (40 hours/week): KES 80,000-200,000+ monthly
Journalism
Traditional but still viable path.
Getting started:
- Pitch story ideas to newspapers/magazines
- Start as contributor/freelancer (KES 2,000-10,000 per story)
- Build portfolio
- Apply for staff positions
Kenyan media houses:
- Nation Media Group
- Standard Group
- Radio Africa Group
- Royal Media Services
Pay:
- Entry-level reporter: KES 30,000-60,000 monthly
- Experienced journalist: KES 80,000-200,000+ monthly
Grants and Residencies
Funding opportunities for creative writers.
Available grants:
- Miles Morland Foundation: Scholarships for African writers
- Kwani? Manuscript Project: Mentorship and potential publishing
- Commonwealth Writers: Various programs and grants
Writer residencies:
- Ledig House, USA: Free residency, covers travel
- Various international residencies: Check websites like resartis.org
Writing competitions:
- Caine Prize for African Writing: $10,000 prize
- Writivism: Focuses on emerging African writers
- Local competitions: Storymoja, Nation Media Group sometimes host
Prize money: KES 50,000-1,000,000+ depending on competition.
Teaching Writing
Once you gain experience, teach others.
Opportunities:
- Online courses via your own platform
- Guest workshops at schools, universities
- Private tutoring (KES 1,500-5,000 per hour)
- Writing coaching (KES 5,000-20,000 per client per month)
Practical Writing Tips
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Change locations: Write at a café, library, park
Lower the stakes: Write badly on purpose—perfection paralyzes
Writing sprints: Set timer for 15 minutes, write without stopping
Talk it out: Explain your story to someone, then write what you said
Take a break: Sometimes you need rest, not more pressure
Time Management
Morning writing: Wake 30-60 minutes early to write before work
Lunch break writing: Use 20-30 minutes of lunch to write
Commute writing: Write on matatus (if you don’t get carsick) or during breaks
Weekend intensive: Dedicate Saturday morning to writing (3-4 hours)
Steal moments: Waiting for someone? Open phone notes and write.
Consistency matters more than duration. Even 15 minutes daily adds up to a novel in a year.
Dealing with Doubts
Every writer faces self-doubt. You’re not alone.
“I’m not talented enough”: Talent is overrated. Persistence and practice matter more. Keep writing.
“Nothing I write is original”: Everything is remix. Your unique perspective makes it original.
“No one will read it”: Write for yourself first. Readers come later.
“I don’t have time”: You make time for what matters. 15 minutes daily is enough to start.
“I’m too old/young to start”: People publish first books at 20 and at 70. Start now.
Your Writing Journey Checklist
Month 1-3: Establish Foundation
- ☐ Write daily (even if just 15 minutes)
- ☐ Read 2-3 books
- ☐ Join one online writing community
- ☐ Complete 5-10 short pieces (any genre)
Month 4-6: Build Skills
- ☐ Take one free online writing course
- ☐ Share work with 2-3 beta readers
- ☐ Submit to one publication or contest
- ☐ Start a writing blog or Medium account
Month 7-12: Expand and Connect
- ☐ Attend one writing workshop or festival
- ☐ Complete one substantial project (novella, collection, series)
- ☐ Submit to 5+ publications
- ☐ Consider freelance writing for income
- ☐ Meet other writers in person
Year 2 and Beyond:
- ☐ Work toward book publication or major publication credits
- ☐ Develop specialized niche
- ☐ Build sustainable writing income
- ☐ Mentor newer writers
- ☐ Never stop writing and learning
Resources Roundup
Free resources:
- Google Docs (writing)
- Grammarly free (editing)
- YouTube (learning)
- Public libraries (reading)
- Online communities (support)
Paid tools (as budget allows):
- Scrivener (KES 4,500, writing software)
- Professional editing (KES 5-15 per word)
- Writing courses (KES 3,000-50,000)
- Books on craft (KES 800-2,500 each)
Start free. Invest as you grow.
Conclusion
Starting to write in Kenya is accessible to anyone with determination. You don’t need money, connections, or special talent—just commitment to practice.
Write every day. Read voraciously. Share your work. Accept feedback. Revise endlessly. Submit persistently.
Kenya needs your stories. Your perspective is valuable. Your voice matters.
The writing journey is long, often frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. Every published author started exactly where you are now: staring at a blank page, wondering if they could do it.
They could. You can too.
Open your laptop or notebook. Write your first sentence. Then the next. Then the next.
Your writing journey starts now.