Kenya launches National Hall of Fame to honour literary icons
By Brian Malila, November 10, 2025Kenya is taking a bold step to celebrate and immortalize its literary legends, the storytellers, scholars, and those who have shaped the nation through words.
The government, through the State Department for Culture and Heritage, in collaboration with the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS), has announced plans to establish a National Hall of Fame dedicated to Kenya’s most influential authors and intellectuals.
Speaking during the History Conference at the University of Embu on Saturday, November 8, 2025, held in honor of the late Stanley Mwaniki, Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, described the project as a vital step in safeguarding Kenya’s cultural memory.
“This initiative will act as a living archive of our stories, struggles, and triumphs, preserving the spirit of the men and women who shaped our national identity,” Bashir said.
This will be the first initiative of its kind in the country, aimed at preserving and showcasing Kenya’s literary heritage.
The proposed Hall of Fame will be housed at the Sanaa Center Auditorium, located at the KNLS Maktaba Kuu Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi. It will feature literary works, manuscripts, and personal stories that trace the journey of Kenya’s literary development over the years.
Bashir said the hall will pay tribute to celebrated figures such as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Ali Mazrui, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Grace Ogot, and Joseph Muthee, the author of Mau Mau Detainee, among others. She noted that these icons have left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history and culture, and their works continue to inspire generations.
“The Hall of Fame will not only honor the literary giants of our past but also ignite a flame in young writers, scholars, and content creators, urging them to keep telling Kenya’s story in their own voices,” she added.
The University of Embu Vice Chancellor, Daniel Mugendi, welcomed the move, saying it would go a long way in preserving Kenya’s heritage and recognizing intellectual excellence.
“We have honoured our heroes in politics and sports. It is now time to give our intellectuals and literary figures the recognition they deserve,” Mugendi said.
Once completed, the Hall of Fame is expected to become a national hub of inspiration and learning, a place where students, researchers, and art lovers can explore Kenya’s literary journey and appreciate the power of storytelling in shaping national identity.