Kwani Litfest (KLF), August 1st to 18th, is one of the more exciting and robust literary festivals taking place in Africa.

Pambazuka News has been featuring more and more African writing. We are therefore especially pleased to bring you this special issue on KLF and some of the broader issues surrounding the political and aesthetic concerns of the younger generation of African writers.

This year KLF will feature a fortnight of writerly events, culture, mingling, discussion and inspiration. More than 40 African and international poets and writers will appear in fifteen days of panel discussions, l readings, book launches, conversations, literary lunches, cultural tours and performances.

Thiis dynamic 15-day writers festival which not only showcases the best of contemporary African writing, but also utilises established authors to provide inspiring writing tuition and manuscript assessments. KLF, now in its 4th successful year, brings together thinkers and writers from different continents and experiences to explore ideas relevant to the burgeoning African literary scene.

This year, in addition to creative endeavours, KLF will focus on the role of the writer in fast-changing conflict and post-conflict situations.

As a special theme following Kenya’s post election violence, KLF will explore the need for new definitions, solutions and ideas. Join us in writing, speaking, networking and devising ways to actively re-invent our society for the good of all.

Through a series of workshops, symposiums, book launches, discussions, retreats, travelling and networking, KLF will develop participants’ creative writing skills, with an emphasis on how stories can help society to see itself more coherently.

The 2008 Kwani Litfest will consist of:

- A series of one day workshops which begin on Saturday 2nd August

- Week long writing workshops geared towards the craft of writing, which begin Monday August 4th

- A one day symposium - Revisioning Kenya will take place on 8th August

- KLF moves to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lamu on Sunday August 10th.

With special thanks to Dipesh Pabari, a Kenyan writer and one of the core KLF organizers for bringing this special issue together.