‘Dear Mama’ by Kinyanjui Kombani will now retail at Sh890 at Kibanga Books, a Sh110 reduction from the bookstore’s earlier price of Sh1,000.
The revised pricing follows a widely publicised dispute between the author and the retailer over what Kombani described as inflated pricing.
The disagreement began after Kibanga Books listed the title at Sh1,000, prompting the author to raise concerns publicly.
The matter played out on social media after Kombani noticed the listing and directly challenged the bookstore.
Responding to a promotional post, he wrote, “How are you telling me I don’t have info and yet (1) I am the author, (2) I also sell the books myself, (3) Everyone else, including TBC and Nuria sells this book at 750/-. Oxford recommends it at 750/. Note, I have reached out to you guys before because of exorbitant pricing.”
For now we only sell at KShs1,000.0
Inquire with Oxford how much they distribute it at??
Maybe you don’t have all info. https://t.co/1j1iCjUY8G
— Kibangabooks|Kenyan & African books (@KibangaBooks) April 26, 2026
He added, “For years, I’ve been complaining about your pricing for my books. I can’t tell you what to price your stock, but if you overprice my books, don’t tag me I don’t want to look like I am part of the rip off.”
The exchange triggered wider debate online, with readers, authors and publishing stakeholders weighing in on book affordability in Kenya. Many argued that rising retail prices risk limiting access to local literature for its core readership.
Kibanga Books defended its pricing, saying it reflected standard retail considerations including logistics, overheads and margins.
“For now, we only sell at KShs1,000,” the bookstore posted on X, advising Kombani to consult his publisher. “Inquire with Oxford how much they distribute it at?”
Dear Mama is an autobiography approved for Grade 10 learners by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, making its retail price particularly sensitive for students and schools.
By Monday evening, however, both parties confirmed that the dispute had been resolved following private discussions.
Kombani said an agreement had been reached, stating, “After a round of offline discussions and documentation review, and in the spirit of moving forward, Kinyanjui Kombani and Kibanga Books have agreed that; 1. All documents have been VERIFIED and confirm that Kibanga is purchasing books from the publisher legitimately. 2. The copies at the store are also confirmed as genuine. 3. Going forward, ‘Dear Mama’ will retail at Sh890, a price that acknowledges the author’s concerns while recognising the realities of running a genuine bookstore supporting Kenyan authors and our collective stories.”
Kibanga Books echoed the statement and signalled plans for future collaboration, noting potential joint promotional activities.