Submissions are now open for the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature 2026. It is an annual award that celebrates outstanding storytelling for young readers across Africa. The prize was established in 2019 in memory of Wakini Kuria, who served on the Advisory Board of the African Writers Development Trust and was the Chief Editor of Writers Space Africa Magazine from 2017 until her passing in 2019. She also coordinated the Kenya chapter of Writers Space Africa and played an important role in creating opportunities for emerging African writers. Since the prize began, it has recognised talented writers from many African countries, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Cameroon.
Submission Details
For the 8th edition, entries are invited in the children’s fiction category for readers aged 6–12 years.
- Genre: Children’s fiction
- Theme: Digital World
- Word limit: Maximum 1,200 words
- Entry fee: None
- Eligibility: Writers of African descent only
- Submission period: March 15 – July 1, 2026
- Poetry is not accepted for this edition.
Prizes
Winners will receive:
- First Prize: Certificate + $200
- Second Prize: Certificate + $150
- Third Prize: Certificate + $100
The prize is sponsored by Nahida Esmail, a long-time supporter of literary initiatives for African writers.
Important Rules
- Entries must be original and unpublished
- Work published on blogs or social media is not eligible
- AI-generated content is not allowed
- Previous winners of the prize cannot enter
- Only one entry per writer is allowed
All stories should be written with young readers in mind and should creatively reflect the theme Digital World.
More Opportunities
Na-la Mapambazuko Afrika Award 2026 for Swahili Children’s Fiction
Win $2,000 in the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Eye Contact Magazine Genre Flash Fiction Award is Now Open
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