‘Change, like death, is inevitable’, said Karimi Nduthu. And change is coming to Vita Books as it marks 37 years since its foundation in London in 1987. During all this period, it has remained faithful to its founding principle which it proclaimed on its London website:
Vita Books is an independent Kenyan publisher supporting people’s struggles to create societies based on the principles of equality and justice. It aims to redress working people’s lack of power over information, communication and the media which then restricts their access to ideas and experiences to resist imperialism. Vita Books strives to connect and unite progressive people everywhere in their battles for justice and equality for everyone.
Vita Books moved to Nairobi in 2017 and I have supported it, financially and in many other ways, to ensure that it sets its roots firmly in Kenya. There were two concerns I had: one, to make a continental leap so Vita Books returns to Kenya from Britain. Second, I needed to make sure that Vita Books makes the generational transition so that the new generation continues its vision and aims. Both these have been fully met. During its time in Kenya, Vita Books published some of its most important titles.
After 37 years with Vita Books, seven of them in Kenya, it is time for me to say Kwaheri to it. It is also a time for the new generation to decide its future direction. Today, Kenya faces one of its most difficult conditions since independence in 1963. The political and social climate is dangerous for anyone daring to protest human rights violations. In this situation, those who manage Vita Books may feel it is time to change tactics as they face new challenges. My leaving will make such changes easier.
It is for this reason that Vita Books will not publish the 2nd edition of my book, From Mau Mau to RutoMustGo whose first edition it published in 2024. This edition, co-authored with me by Ruo Kimani-Ruo will be published in March 2025 — but not by Vita Books. I share below its cover.
So this is my farewell to Vita Books. I wish Vita Books all the best for the future. I would like to thank authors, designers, printers and all those who worked with me during this period. In particular, I would like to thank Kimani Waweru for his dedication and hard work to make Vita Books a success. I also thank African Books Collective which enabled Vita Books to be read globally.
Abdilatif Abdullah says:
Bado Safari ni Ndefu
Wasafiri Tusichoke
And so I carry on with my safari outside Vita Books.
Shiraz Durrani
01-01-2025.
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Oduor Ong’wen
January 5, 2025
