The shortlist for the second annual TBC Penmanship Awards 2026 has been announced by the long-standing bookstore, Text Book Centre.
Released on Saturday, the list features six book titles across six categories: non-fiction adults, fiction adults, non-fiction teens, fiction teens, non-fiction kids, and fiction kids.
Under the theme Across Ages, Across Pages, the awards celebrate books by Kenyan authors, with nominations selected based on bestselling reads. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 14, 2026.
The voting process took place between March 16 and 31, 2026.
This year’s sponsors are Penguin Random House, Kenya Literature Bureau, and The 7 Priceless Gifts.
Adult books category
This category has seen strong engagement from readers who continue to champion thought-provoking narratives, literary excellence, and stories that reflect real-world experiences.
The Adult Books Category garnered 4,345 votes.
Here are the shortlisted books in this category:
Things They Lost by Okwiri Oduor
Big Little Fights by Jackson Biko
Nairobbery Cocktail by Ciku Empress Kimani-Mwaniki
Strength and Sorrow by Oyunga Pala
Confessions of Nairobi Men and Women: The Last Chapter by Joan Thatiah
Rough Silk by Deborah Auko Tendo
Teens books category
The teen category is gaining exciting momentum, highlighting a generation of readers who are passionate, curious, and eager to see themselves reflected in stories.
The Teens’ Books Category garnered 1,830 votes.
Here are the shortlisted books in this category:
Mkuu: Mbona Hivi by Shullam Nzioka
Rattles of a Heartbeat by Mark Chetambe
SUDEF Wildlife Detectives: The Case of Persecuted Pangolins by Muthoni Wa Gichuru
My First Time by Janet Mbugua
Growing Up: A Boy’s Guide Through Puberty by Jane Wambui
Menstrupedia Comic by Nancy Akeyo
Kids books category
The strong support for children’s books shows parents, educators, and caregivers actively nurturing imagination, creativity, and literacy in young readers, laying the foundation for future readers and writers.
The Kids’ Books Category garnered 1,500 votes.
Here are the shortlisted books in this category:
Heavenly Hints Bible Based Word Search Puzzles by Sarah W. Wainaina
Wandia Wears Clothes by Lorraine Malu
Super Lisu: Road Trip Trouble Bk 4 by Yolanda Chakava
Imani’s Adventure in the Village by Janet Kiritu
Noah and the Rainbow Promise by Dr Anuradha Khoda
Financial Literacy for Kids Vol 1 by Edwin Kiarie Wanjiku