Kenyan authors have sounded the alarm over a surge in book piracy, warning that the illegal circulation of literary works both online and in physical form is severely undermining their livelihoods and threatening the future of the country’s creative industry.
Writers say that shortly after publication, their books are often widely shared on social media, distributed as unauthorized PDF copies, and sold cheaply on the streets, leaving them with little to no financial return despite investing significant time and effort in their work.
The concerns were raised in Thika during the launch of a new novel, My Husband, My Abductor, where authors led by Andrew Maina condemned the growing trend, describing it as a major setback to Kenya’s literary progress.
They called on government agencies, publishers, and readers to take collective responsibility in curbing piracy before it drives emerging writers out of the profession.
Maina noted that rampant piracy has made it increasingly difficult for authors to earn a sustainable income, turning writing into a struggle rather than a viable career. He warned that unless decisive action is taken, many talented writers may abandon the craft in search of more stable livelihoods.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow author Muthoni wa Gichuru, who expressed concern that even heavily marketed books are often pirated before publishers can recover production costs. She urged authorities and digital platforms to strengthen safeguards around intellectual property rights.
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Gichuru further decried the widespread purchase of counterfeit books, including by educators, noting that such practices continue to erode the income of authors who depend on book sales for survival.
Authors Joseph Ndirangu and Francis Kilango also appealed to the government to invest in nurturing local talent and promoting a culture of reading among young people. They cautioned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence, arguing that it risks diminishing creativity and critical thinking skills among upcoming writers.
In addition, stakeholders called for policy interventions to support the industry, including the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on books, arguing that the tax burden further eats into already shrinking profits, making it harder for authors and publishers to stay afloat.
Book editor Ivy Mumbi warned that declining reading habits are gradually weakening the literary sector, urging writers to remain steadfast despite challenges such as high publishing costs. She emphasized that literature continues to play a critical role in shaping society and contributing to global discourse.
The event brought together authors, editors, and academics from various disciplines to celebrate Maina’s latest work, a novel that explores contemporary social and cultural issues.
The launch also served as a platform for renewed calls to safeguard Kenya’s creative economy.Meanwhile, industry data paints a grim picture of the scale of the crisis. The Kenya Publishers Association estimates that piracy costs the sector between Ksh2 billion and Ksh3 billion annually, with more than 40 percent of the market lost to counterfeit books.
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School textbooks and set books, particularly in core subjects such as English, Kiswahili, and Mathematics; are among the most affected, significantly reducing publishers’ revenues and authors’ royalties. Reports indicate that publishers lose at least Sh250 million each year to pirated materials.
Efforts to combat the vice have intensified, with the Kenya Copyright Board recently destroying over 50,000 counterfeit books valued at approximately Ksh15 million. Publishers have also introduced anti-counterfeit measures such as scratch-off verification codes to help consumers identify genuine copies.
Industry players, including Oxford University Press East Africa, are urging parents, teachers, and schools to purchase books only from authorized dealers and remain vigilant against substandard or suspiciously cheap copies.
Despite these interventions, piracy networks remain deeply entrenched, with illegal traders reportedly operating through established distribution channels and even collaborating directly with some institutions, complicating enforcement efforts.
As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are calling for stronger enforcement, increased public awareness, and a renewed commitment to protecting intellectual property to ensure the survival and growth of Kenya’s literary industry.
Author Andrew Maina joined by fellow authors during the launch of a new novel, My Husband, My Abductor
By Felix Wanderi
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