Great, your book is finished, but deep down you know your work is far from over.
As a Kenyan, finding a publisher to work with is a crucial next step. The right publisher can transform your manuscript from a stack of papers into a beautifully bound book ready for readers.
Kenya has a growing publishing industry with several prominent companies catering to diverse literary needs, including educational materials, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
To help you on this journey, we’ve identified seven of the best publishing companies in Kenya.
These publishers are well-regarded for their quality work, author support, and extensive distribution networks.
Publishing companies in Kenya
Here are some of the most popular publishing companies in Kenya:
1) East African Educational Publishers (EAEP)
East African Educational Publishers (EAEP), established in 1965, is one of the oldest and most respected publishing houses in Kenya. It was originally known as Heinemann Educational Books East Africa before it became an independent entity.
Focus areas:
- Educational Books: EAEP is renowned for its comprehensive range of textbooks for primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
- General Literature: They publish a wide array of African literature, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
- Reference Books: EAEP also offers a variety of reference materials and scholarly works.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.eaepbooks.com
- Phone: +254 20 444 2778
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
2) Longhorn Publishers
Longhorn Publishers, founded in 1965, has grown to become one of the leading publishing houses in East Africa. It was initially focused on educational materials but has expanded to include a broader range of publications.
Focus areas:
- Educational Materials: Longhorn is well-known for its extensive catalogue of textbooks and educational resources for all levels of learning.
- General Reading: The company publishes a variety of general interest books, including fiction and non-fiction.
- Digital Content: Longhorn has embraced digital transformation, providing e-learning solutions and digital content.
Contacts:
- Website: https://longhornpublishers.com
- Phone: +254 20 653 3000
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
3) Moran Publishers
Moran Publishers, previously known as Macmillan Kenya, is a major player in the Kenyan publishing industry. It has been a significant contributor to the educational sector for many years.
Focus areas:
- Educational Books: Moran Publishers offers a wide range of textbooks and educational materials tailored to the Kenyan curriculum.
- Children’s Books: The company is known for its engaging and well-illustrated children’s books.
- General and Reference Books: They also publish general interest and reference books, including biographies and academic works.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.moranpublishers.co.ke
- Phone: +254 20 653 2300
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
4) Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB)
Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) is a state corporation with a long history dating back to 1947. It is a leading publisher of educational materials in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Focus areas:
- Educational Books: KLB publishes a comprehensive range of textbooks for primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
- Supplementary Reading: They also offer supplementary readers to enhance literacy and learning.
- Digital Publications: KLB has ventured into digital publishing, providing e-books and other digital learning resources.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.klb.co.ke
- Phone: +254 20 354 1196
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
5) Mountain Top Publishers
Mountain Top Publishers is a relatively newer entrant in the Kenyan publishing scene but has made significant strides in producing quality educational materials and general books.
- Educational Materials: They focus on textbooks and other learning materials aligned with the Kenyan curriculum.
- Storybooks and General Literature: The company also publishes a variety of storybooks and general literature aimed at promoting reading culture among young readers.
- Religious and Inspirational Books: Mountain Top Publishers offers a range of religious and inspirational books.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.mountaintoppublishers.com
- Phone: +254 20 676 4769
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
6) Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF)
Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, established in 1966, is a notable non-profit publishing company in Kenya. It was named after Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, and aims to enhance educational access through its publications.
- Textbooks: JKF is a major publisher of textbooks for primary and secondary education in Kenya.
- Bursaries and Scholarships: Proceeds from JKF’s publishing activities fund bursaries and scholarships for needy students.
- General Books: They also publish a variety of general interest books, including biographies and historical works.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.jkf.co.ke
- Phone: +254 20 555 1100
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
7) Storymoja Publishers
Storymoja Publishers is a dynamic and innovative publishing house focused on promoting a reading culture in Kenya.
Founded in 2007, it has quickly established itself as a key player in the literary scene.
- Children’s Books: Storymoja is renowned for its high-quality children’s books, which are designed to be both educational and entertaining.
- Adult Fiction and Non-fiction: The company also publishes a variety of adult fiction and non-fiction titles.
- Reading Promotion: Storymoja is actively involved in initiatives to promote reading, such as the Storymoja Festival and other literacy campaigns.
Contacts
- Website: http://www.storymojaafrica.co.ke
- Phone: +254 20 240 0755
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
These publishing companies collectively contribute to the rich literary landscape of Kenya, offering a wide range of educational and general interest books that cater to diverse audiences.
How to choose the right publisher
- Identify your genre: Ensure the publisher specializes in your book’s genre.
- Research their reputation: Look for reviews and feedback from other authors.
- Understand their services: Know what services they offer and how they support authors.
- Evaluate their distribution network: Ensure they have a strong distribution network to reach your target audience.
- Check contract terms: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the publishing contract.
Conclusion
Choosing the right publishing company can significantly impact the success of your book. Each of these publishers has a strong reputation and offers a range of services to help bring your story to the readers. Conduct thorough research and choose the one that aligns best with your goals and needs.
