Kenyan literature continues to reflect the country’s politics, culture, struggles, and everyday conversations, and 2025 has been no exception. From memoirs and political commentary to fiction, personal growth, and social critique, these Top 50 Kenyan Books of 2025 offer a powerful snapshot of the ideas shaping the nation today.

28 Commandments by Andrew Kibe is a provocative self-help book that presents blunt, controversial principles on masculinity, relationships, self-discipline, and personal power. It challenges conventional thinking with a raw, confrontational tone meant to push readers toward self-reliance, confidence, and unapologetic individuality.

This list has been curated by Kibanga Books. Kibanga is a Kenyan book distributor and literary platform committed to promoting local authors and making original Kenyan books accessible to readers. It celebrates works that have sparked discussion, informed public thought, and captured the imagination of readers across the country.

Flame of Freedom by Raila Odinga is a political memoir that chronicles his life, activism, and long struggle for democracy and reform in Kenya. The book offers a personal account of political resistance, sacrifice, and the ideals that have shaped Kenya’s modern political journey.

Through its publishing, distribution, and reader-engagement efforts, Kibanga Books continues to play a key role in growing Kenya’s reading culture and supporting homegrown writers. Below is the complete list of the top 50 books.

Against the Tide by Martha Karua is a political memoir that recounts her journey in Kenyan politics, focusing on integrity, reform, and standing firm against corruption and political pressure. The book reflects on the personal cost of principled leadership and the challenges of pushing for justice in a difficult political environment.
  1. Flame of Freedom – Raila Odinga
  2. 28 Commandments – Andrew Kibe
  3. Big Little Fights – Biko Zulu
  4. Unplugged – Jacob Ailet
  5. The Constitution of Kenya
  6. Confessions of Nairobi Men (Bk 1) – Joan Thatiah
  7. Three Hearts of a Man – Robert Burale
  8. The Bandit – Thirsty Kipsowet
  9. Dear Diary – Wangu Murithi
  10. Mastering Office Politics – Trophy Kiprono
  11. Against the Tide – Martha Karua
  12. For the Record – Aden Duale
  13. The Fight for Order – Justin Muturi
  14. Mwakenya – Maina wa Kinyatti
  15. Saving the Last Simp – Collins Taurey
  16. Money Wise – Rina Hicks
  17. Becoming the Woman of Your Dreams – Muthoni Mukiri
  18. Drunk – Jackson Biko
  19. Not Yet Uhuru – Oginga Odinga
  20. The President Pressman – Lee Njiru
  21. Sinners – Sarah Halwua
  22. Imperfect Match – K. Kimuyu
  23. After 4:30 – David Mailu
  24. Nairoberry Cocktail – Empress Ciku
  25. Till Death Do Us Apart – Diana Masoba
  26. Dance of the Monkeys – Ciku Kimeria
  27. Tom Mboya – Ogot
  28. The Witchcraft of the Ameru People – Rinitia
  29. The X in CX – Sunny Bindra
  30. Kasongo – Steve Biko
  31. The Humanized Leader – Dr. Martin Oduor
  32. Toxic Souls – Doreen Kamala
  33. When We World in My Voice Sings – Dennis Indimuli
  34. How to Build Wealth and Secure Your Future – Simon Muchiri
  35. Unplugged 5 – Jacob Ailet
  36. Escape from Australia – Thirsty Kipsowet
  37. The Big Conservation Lie – M. Ogada
  38. The Best of Whispers – Wahome Mutahi
  39. Birthday Breakup – Silas Nyanchwani
  40. City Boy – Dr. Frank Njenga
  41. In the Shadow of My Father – Oburu Odinga
  42. Rigathi Gachagua and the Politics of Betrayal
  43. Freedom and After – Tom Mboya
  44. Decolonising Your Mind – Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
  45. Kill Me Quick – Meja Mwangi
  46. The Enlightened Species – Nahason Harrison
  47. How Much – Florence Bett
  48. His and Hers – Doreen Ekhamala
  49. Why Celibacy (A Journey to Higher Self) – Robin Norwood
  50. My Life in Crime – John Kiriamiti

Writing, book authoring, and publishing are an important part of Kenya’s creative industry. Books turn ideas, experiences, and knowledge into lasting work that can be shared, sold, and passed on. Through books, our Kenyan writers have documented history, questioned society, taught skills, and told stories that have helped people understand themselves and others better.

These authors have helped society by putting thoughts into words, preserving culture, starting important conversations, and giving voice to experiences that might have otherwise been forgotten. In a world where information moves fast especially online, books allow deeper thinking, reflection, and learning, making writing a powerful creative and social contribution.

Dear Diary by Wangu Muriithi is a deeply personal collection of reflections on love, loss, faith, healing, and everyday life. Through honest, diary-style writing, the book explores emotional growth and self-discovery in a way many Kenyan readers find relatable.
Big Little Fights by Biko Zulu is a reflective collection of essays about everyday struggles, relationships, identity, and the quiet battles people fight within themselves. With wit and honesty, the book captures ordinary Kenyan life while exploring how small moments often shape who we become.