Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature Awards  

Two years after Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) was formed (1972) members felt there was a need to establish a literary prize, which would encourage and reward creativity in Kenya. Thus, in 1974, the first edition of Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature Awards was held.

After the first award, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature did not last for long due to various challenges.  In 1990, KPA announced that it was ready to re-introduce the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature under the sponsorship of Text Book Centre. Text Book Centre had been in the business of selling books since 1950s, thereby making them the oldest booksellers.


Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature : Longhorn Winners

1995:    Paradise Farm by Sam Kahiga    

2001:     Nguvu ya Sala by Kyalo Wamitila  

2003:    Ndoto ya Amerika- Ken Walibora

2005:     Kufa Kuzikana by Ken Walibora,
2005:     Death Trap by Bill Ruto

2007:    Sudana by Kimani Njogu, Al Amin Mazrui;
2007:     Innocence Long Lost (Sasa Sema).

2009:    Blossoms of the Savannah by Henry Ole Kulet;  
2009:    Hawecha: A woman for all time by Rhodia Mann  

2011:    Kijiba Cha Moyo by Timothy Arege
2011:    Wema wa Mwana by Nuhu Zubeir Bakari

From humble beginnings to the current winner’s prize of Ksh 150,000 for overall winners in Adult English and Kiswahili and Kshs 75,000 for both Youth and Children categories winners, it’s important to note that it is the highest paying literary award in the East Africa.