East African Educational Publishers (EAEP), one of the continent’s most influential literary institutions, is marking 60 years of championing African stories, nurturing authors, and shaping the region’s educational landscape.
Established in 1965, the publisher has grown from a small local outfit into a continental force whose works have transformed learning, preserved cultural heritage, and inspired generations. Over the decades, EAEP titles have become central to Kenya’s education system, reinforcing national identity while bridging historical knowledge and modern imagination.
Speaking during the 60th anniversary celebrations, Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro hailed EAEP as a cornerstone of Kenya’s intellectual development.
“EAEP is a foundational architect of Kenya’s intellectual capital. For decades, this institution has powered our classroom experiences, shaped national discourse, and strengthened the credibility of African scholarship. Africa must continue owning its knowledge systems, and EAEP has been at the helm of this mission for 60 years. This legacy deserves investment, protection, and amplification for generations to come,” said Prof. Ayiro.
EAEP Chief Executive Officer Kiarie Kamau echoed the sentiment, noting that the milestone is both a tribute to the publisher’s rich heritage and a catalyst for future transformation in African publishing.
“For six decades, EAEP has carried the soul of our continent—our cultures, our joys, our struggles, our triumphs. We have shaped learning journeys and ensured African stories take their rightful place on the global stage. Our next chapter is anchored on innovation, digitisation, and content that resonates deeply with African identity. We are scaling up to nurture new voices, strengthen local authorship, and leverage technology to keep African publishing globally competitive,” Kamau said.
The ceremony brought together writers, academics, educators, policymakers, and industry partners who have been instrumental in building EAEP’s legacy.
Speakers highlighted the publisher’s impact on expanding access to literature, promoting multilingual storytelling, and sustaining a creative environment where academic and artistic voices can flourish.
Today, EAEP stands as one of East Africa’s leading producers of educational and general interest books. Its catalogue—spanning school texts, cultural studies, development material, fiction, drama, poetry, and children’s literature—continues to enrich classrooms and homes across the region.
With works published in English, Kiswahili, and various indigenous languages, the publisher remains a critical custodian of African identity and knowledge.
As it ushers in a new era, EAEP affirms its commitment to advancing learning, safeguarding Africa’s literary heritage, and shaping future generations through authentic and impactful storytelling.
