1. Can you share your journey into publishing and what inspired you to join Narrative Landscape Press?
For as long as I can recall, I have been obsessed with books and stories. It’s only right that this path has led me to publishing. Over the last decade, I’ve founded one of Kenya’s largest corporate-sponsored book clubs and co-founded a pan-African book hub, allowing me to foster vibrant reading communities and build a strong network in the industry. Joining Narrative Landscape Press felt like a natural next step—an opportunity to explore my passion for books and storytelling by amplifying East African voices through publishing.
2. What excites you most about leading Narrative Landscape Press in East Africa?
The opportunity to shape how East African stories are told, shared, and celebrated excites me the most. I’m thrilled to create a platform where our narratives—rich in diversity, culture, and depth—can delight local and global audiences. There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping writers realise their dreams and giving readers unforgettable books.
3. How do you envision Narrative Landscape Press shaping the literary landscape in East Africa?
I see Narrative Landscape Press as a catalyst for change, publishing culture-defining fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books that resonate with readers everywhere. East Africa has a rich legacy of celebrated storytellers, thinkers, and icons. Narrative Landscape Press East Africa will build on that legacy by nurturing new voices and platforming fresh narratives, which is a great way to continue on that well-worn path while scaling new heights.
4. What challenges do you anticipate in this role, and how do you plan to address them?
One of the primary challenges will be overcoming the structural limitations of the publishing industry in East Africa, particularly in terms of access to resources and distribution channels. To tackle this, I intend to forge strategic partnerships and adopt innovative solutions to ensure our books are widely accessible and our authors are well-supported. Collaboration and cooperation are central to my approach, with the power of community at the core of this plan. By working together, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
5. What role do you see East African writers and stories playing in the global literary community?
Being the cradle of humanity, I like to think that we are also the birthplace of the first stories. East African writers offer unique perspectives, crafting stories that are deeply rooted in tradition yet resonate universally with themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. It is no surprise that, as an ode to our great ancestor Lucy, every human on earth can find a connection to East African stories.
6. Outside of publishing, what passions or interests drive you, and how do they influence your work?
I’m deeply passionate about community and our shared experiences. I am also intensely curious about wine. I even have a club called Books & Wine. My exploration of the wine world has taught me to appreciate nuances and provided a space for connection and creating memorable experiences, all of which I will bring to my publishing work.
7. What key lessons from your previous roles in the literary or publishing world are you bringing to Narrative Landscape Press East Africa?
One key lesson is the power of community—whether it’s building reading communities or working with dedicated teams. I’ve learned that a collaborative approach, combined with a strong vision, can make anything possible.
8. How has your experience shaped your vision for the growth of East Africa’s publishing industry?
Having worked across different facets of the literary world—from running bookstores to engaging with readers—I’ve seen the immense potential of East African stories. My vision is to create a robust publishing ecosystem that nurtures talent, champions diversity and inspires a reading culture that spans generations.