Nairobi Litfest 2026, the fifth edition of the festival, took place from 8–10 May 2026 across Nairobi’s public libraries:  McMillan Memorial Library (Masterclasses), Kaloleni Library (Children’s Festival), and Eastlands Library (Main Festival- Saturday & Sunday). Co-presented by Book Bunk and Hay Festival Global, this year’s edition explored the theme “Speculative Cartography and South-to-South Connections,” inviting audiences to imagine new ways of understanding the world through literature, art, music, film, technology, and activism.

Over three days, Nairobi Litfest brought together writers, artists, thinkers, educators, and audiences from across Africa and beyond for conversations that challenged inherited boundaries and celebrated imagination as a tool for social change. The programme featured panel discussions, masterclasses, performances, film conversations, children’s activities, and live music experiences. Highlights included conversations with acclaimed writers such as Alain Mabanckou, Yvonne Owuor, Lesley Nneka Arimah, and Nanjala Nyabola, as well as sessions exploring ecology, memory, AI, storytelling, and the future of publishing.

One of the festival’s strongest takeaways was the continued importance of public spaces, especially libraries, as civic spaces for dialogue, creativity, and community. Nairobi Litfest 2026 demonstrated how literature and the arts can create meaningful cross-cultural connections while opening up new possibilities for imagining collective futures.

See photos below: