One of the most influential literary institutions in the region, East African Educational Publishers celebrates the EAEP 60th Anniversary: 60 consistent years of shaping minds, strengthening African identity, giving a voice to homegrown authors across the continent.
From its humble beginnings in publishing in 1965, EAEP has grown into a continental powerhouse whose books have shaped classrooms, anchored memory, and defined Kenya’s literaturescape. For generations, its publications have helped young readers find their voice while preserving the richness of African storytelling.
East African Educational Publishers: 60 Years Ahead – Legacy and Ambition for the Future
The Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro described the publisher as one of the most foundational pillars in the creation and dissemination of knowledge in Kenya during the EAEP 60th Anniversary celebration.
“EAEP represents an important founding block in the intellectual capital of Kenya. For decades, this institution has powered our classroom experiences, shaped national discourse, and strengthened the credibility of African scholarship. Africa needs to continue owning its knowledge systems, and EAEP has led from the front in that mission for 60 years. This legacy deserves investment, protection, and amplification for generations to come,” he said.
EAEP CEO Kiarie Kamau went further to declare that the 60th Anniversary of EAEP is an expression not only of celebration of heritage but also a launchpad for future innovation within African publishing.
“For sixty years, East African Educational Publishers has carried the soul of our continent; our cultures, our joys, our struggles, our triumphs. We have shaped learning journeys and ensured that African stories take their rightful place on the global stage. Our next chapter is anchored on innovation, digitisation, and content resonating deep with African identity. We are scaling up to nurture new voices, strengthen local authorship and leveraging technology to keep African publishing globally competitive,” Kamau said.
The milestone brought together authors, educators, scholars, policymakers, and creative industry partners who have been integral to the evolution of East African Educational Publishers. Conversations throughout the event reflected how EAEP is positioned to continue to advance African literature, enrich multilingual content, and sustain a vibrant ecosystem supportive of both academic and creative expression.
Today, the publisher is among the region’s leading school and general publishers, providing an extensive list in education, culture, development, fiction, drama, poetry, and children’s books. These works, published in English, Kiswahili, and several indigenous languages, continue to evoke curiosity, creativity, and a bond with African heritage.
As the East African Educational Publishers 60th Anniversary ushers in a new era, the organization remains true to its mission: to deliver transformative knowledge, preserve Africa’s intellectual heritage, and fire up the future through telling genuine stories that transcend generations.
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