Kenyan author Eleshia Ais, a 2025 awardee of the America Book Honor Recognition, paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s embassy in Brussels, where she met Ambassador Joash Maangi.
According to a social media post by the embassy, Maangi received Ais at the Mission, where she presented him with a copy of her book, Choosing Me, and shared reflections on her literary journey and the inspiration behind her work.
Her book was recently recognised at the International Impact Book Awards, based in Phoenix, Arizona, which honours fiction and non-fiction works with significant global impact.
With the win, Ais becomes the first Kenyan author to be recognised in her category.
H.E. Amb. Joash Maangi, MBS, welcomed Kenyan author Ms. Eleshia Ais, a 2025 Awardee of America Book Honor Recognition – a distinction given for impactful Literary Contributions for a courtesy call at the Mission. pic.twitter.com/6ijFD31Y4S
— KenyaEmbassyBrussels (@KEinBelgium) April 17, 2026
Speaking at the embassy, she said presenting the award in Brussels was symbolic of “bringing it home” to Kenya as she prepares for an extended period away.
“This award is not only for me, but I dedicate it to everyone who has been supporting my work as an author,” she said. “My undying gratitude to my readers; they made this possible.”
She also encouraged emerging writers across Africa to pursue their goals despite publishing challenges, adding: “Yes we can.”
Maangi commended her for her dedication, saying her global presence inspires the Kenyan diaspora and reflects the country’s growing influence in the creative arts.
Her visit comes as Kenyan writers continue gaining international recognition. Recently, Kiprop Kimutai won the Graywolf Press African Fiction Prize for his upcoming debut novel, while Charlene Adhiambo and Phil Ibsen were longlisted and honoured for the 2025 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature.
These milestones follow a strong year for Kenyan literature, including Troy Onyango’s appointment as a judge for the 2026 International Booker Prize, underscoring the rising global profile of Kenyan voices.