Write - Learn - Be Inspired
September 14–25, 2026
Optional Safari: September 25–27
Applications are open, and due 11:59 p.m. CST February 15, 2026.
Come with us to write in beautiful Kenya! Our Kenya Literary Retreat includes workshops with writers from East Africa and the United States, one-of-a-kind cultural experiences including the Macondo Literary Festival in Nairobi and a spoken word workshop and open mic with local young writers, as well as time to explore Nairobi’s energy and creativity.
Participants will have ample uninterrupted time for writing, inspiration, and exploration. We will spend several days at Kitengela Glass near Nairobi National Park and in Watamu on the Indian Ocean.
Application
The application includes a statement of intent and $15 application fee.
Applications with the $15 application fee are due 11:59 p.m. CST February 15, 2026.
Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from writers of all levels of experience and genres, including fiction, non-fiction, travel writing, poetry/spoken word, memoir, and creative non-fiction. Emerging as well as established writers are invited to apply.
Notification
Notifications will be sent on or before February 25, 2026
Residency Fee
How much does it cost to attend?
The residency fee is $3,500 per participant and includes lodging, in-country transport, most meals, programming and festival fees.
The fee does not include flights to and from Nairobi.
Payment Schedule
$500 deposit (non-refundable) is due March 1, 2026
$1,500 due April 15, 2026
$1,500 trip balance + optional add-ons due June 15, 2026
Add-ons
The following optional add-ons are priced as indicated.
- Safari September 25-27, $1,095 USD. Includes lodging and meals, in-country transportation, and safari guide
- Manuscript consultation with one of the workshop leaders, $150 USD. The manuscript can be your application manuscript or one you send ahead of the retreat. 10pp
Glass blowing workshops can chosen closer to the departure date.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please purchase trip insurance.
There is no refund for the application fee or $500 deposit.
The first and second payments are refundable for 7 days from payment date. After that date, first and second payments will be treated as a tax-deductible donation.
Please note that our cancellation policy is in place because the lodging and experiences are carefully scheduled and reserved in advance. Last-minute cancellations make it difficult for staff to offer the opportunity to another participant. We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and we appreciate your understanding that cancellations impact both our operations and other participants waiting for a chance to attend. We strongly advise you to purchase trip insurance.
Workshops
Morning workshops will mainly be led by published, award-winning writers from East Africa and the United States. Bios and more information will be available in mid-January.
The workshops are designed to appeal to writers of all levels and styles, and provide an opportunity to learn, experiment, and create community. Participants are expected to attend each workshop.
Schedule
The 12-day schedule will be available in March 2026. However, we know that it will include:
- Morning workshops with writers from Kenya and the United States
- Uninterrupted time for writing and exploration
- A few days at Kitengela Glass, near Nairobi National Park
- The Macondo Literary Festival in Nairobi
- Spoken word workshop and open mic with local young writers from Kibera
- A few days in Watamu on the Indian Ocean
- A 2 1/2 day optional safari will be available to add on to the schedule, so your flight departing Kenya would be late Sept 27
Can I bring my spouse/partner?
