The second edition of Kitabu Fest went down yesterday at the Nakuru Player’s theatre.

The event attracted book lovers from Nakuru, all eager to learn a bit more about the contemporary woman and the place fiction and non-fiction play in telling stories and recording history.

The event's keynote speakers were Ciku Kimeria, a Global Press Africa editor, Richard Oduor, a biographer and editor-in-chief at Sisi Afrika and acclaimed author Joan Thatiah, known for her book, I am Too Pretty to be Broke.

Author and Global Press Africa editor, Ciku Kimeria during Kitabu Fest event on January 28, 2024.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

Keeping true to the events theme, the authors touched on what contemporary womanhood means and the challenges faced by a contemporary woman.

Read: Kitabu Fest: An afternoon of books, men and good conversation

Joan Thatiah noted, "A contemporary woman is the modern woman and she is tired. The biggest struggle the modern woman faces is that she has evolved but society hasn't. Society still expects the woman to juggle traditional roles all while taking up the newly acquired roles such as provision."

The discussions held on the contemporary woman, intimated that there is a need for society to acknowledge the shift in the roles taken up by women.

Renown author Joan Thatiah at the Kitabu Fest event on January 28, 2024.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

The event’s second theme was the role non-fiction plays in telling stories and recording our history.

This was a more interactive session with a public debate being carried out among those in attendance.

We got to debate: Is fiction or non-fiction better at telling the truth?

After about 40 minutes of funny, strong and very long debates, we arrived at the conclusion that both, fiction and non-fiction have a role to play in telling the truth.

It was agreed that fiction is indeed a mirror of the society's state. However, for a more concise way to speak out on the society's state and true nature, we at times need non-fiction literature.

Can't wait to see what the next Kitabu Fest has in store!

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

Fiction Vs Non-fiction debate takes centre stage at the second Kitabu Fest event in Nakuru

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Diligence Odongo