Safal Kiswahili Prize winner Edwin Omindo encourages writers to enter 2026 edition
- Created by Sande Onyango
- Education
Omindo won the 2024 short story category with his anthology ‘Mungu Hadanganywi na Hadithi Nyingine’, an achievement he described as a defining moment in his literary career.
Kenyan teacher and writer Edwin Omindo, winner of the 2024 Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature, is urging writers across Africa to submit their unpublished Kiswahili manuscripts for the 2026 edition of the competition.
Organised by the Safal MRM Foundation in partnership with the Safal ALAF Foundation, the prize aims to celebrate Kiswahili literature and provide a platform for emerging authors.
Omindo won the 2024 short story category with his anthology ‘Mungu Hadanganywi na Hadithi Nyingine’, an achievement he described as a defining moment in his literary career.
“Winning such a prestigious prize gave me recognition as a writer and opened doors to literary events, publishing opportunities, and wider exposure for my work,” he said.
Beyond personal recognition, the award has given him opportunities to connect with other writers and engage with the wider literary community. It has also inspired him to encourage young writers to participate in the competition, highlighting the importance of showcasing talent and building credibility.
Omindo began writing in 2006, shortly after finishing secondary school, starting with a juvenile novel about school life. Though the manuscript was lost, it sparked his lifelong passion for storytelling. By 2011, participation in a radio writing competition further motivated him to continue producing short stories alongside his teaching career.
Since then, he has written multiple short stories and children’s books, some published while others await release. He acknowledges the challenges many young writers face, from balancing writing with other responsibilities to coping with rejection and limited opportunities for publication.
According to Omindo, patience and persistence are critical for any writer.
"Sometimes your work will be rejected or ignored, especially when you are not yet known. But if you believe in your talent, you must keep writing,” he explained.
Omindo also stressed that passion should guide a writer more than financial reward. Writers are encouraged to observe the world around them, read widely, and draw inspiration from everyday experiences. Networking and building relationships within the literary community, he adds, can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
"Passion and curiosity should lead your writing, not money,” Omindo said.
“If you stay true to your craft and keep learning, opportunities will follow.”
With submissions now open for the 2026 Safal Kiswahili Prize, Omindo is inviting authors across Africa to participate. The competition accepts unpublished manuscripts in fiction, poetry, and short stories, offering writers a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition.
For Omindo, the prize represents more than an award; it is a gateway for emerging authors to establish themselves and contribute to the growth of Kiswahili literature across the continent.