About

August 1st - 15th 2008, Nairobi and Lamu, Kenya

Kwani Litfest (KLF) is a fortnight of writerly events, culture, mingling, discussion and inspiration. More than 40 African and international poets and writers will appear in fifteen days of panel discussions, l readings, book launches, conversations, literary lunches, cultural tours and performances.

Join us for this dynamic 15-day writers festival which not only showcases the best of contemporary African writing, but also utilises established authors to provide inspiring writing tuition and manuscript assessments. KLF, now in its 4th successful year, brings together thinkers and writers from different continents and experiences to explore ideas relevant to the burgeoning African literary scene. This year, as well as creative endeavour, we will focus on the role of the writer in fast-changing conflict and post-conflict situations.

As a special theme following Kenya’s post election violence, KLF will explore the need for new definitions, solutions and ideas. Join us in writing, speaking, networking and devising ways to actively re-invent our society for the good of all.

Through a series of workshops, symposiums, book launches, discussions, retreats, travelling and networking, KLF will develop participants’ creative writing skills, with an emphasis on how stories can help society to see itself more coherently.

The 2008 Kwani Litfest consists of:

• A series of one day workshops which begin on Saturday 2nd August
• Week long writing workshops geared towards the craft of writing, which begin Monday August 4th
• A one day symposium - Revisioning Kenya will take place on 8th August
• KLF moves to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lamu on Sunday August 10th

Organisers

Festival Director
Shalini Gidoomal is a freelance journalist, writer, businesswoman and inveterate traveller, born, and currently living in Nairobi. She has worked extensively on various UK and international magazines and newspapers, including The Independent, News of the World, Today, FHM, GQ and Architectural Digest. She profiled five Northern Irish photographers for the book Parallel Realities, and has worked in Kenya for the Standard and Camerapix. Her short stories and non- fiction have been published in The Obituary Tango, Jungfrau and Kwani 04. She is editorial co-ordinator for the Generation Kenya 45 project and festival director of Kwani Litfest 2008.

Festival Coordinator
Dipesh Pabari (Kenya): Writer, Education and Communications consultant. He sits on the Editorial Board for Awaaz Magazine and Wajibu and blogs regularly on Sukuma Kenya. Editor of a short story anthology for children entitled, “The Unlikely Burden” was recently translated into Kiswahili.

Volunteers

Aurelie Journo, Kingwa Kamencu, Dorleen, Cyprion Ogoti, Raymond Juma, Arleen, Kirstie Wiedlant, Andrew