Nairobi-based journalist and AMA grantee Wanjeri Yvonne Gakuru is currently in Abeokuta, Nigeria to participate in the Ake Arts & Book Festival (November 17-21, 2015).
Wanjeri Yvonne Gakuru has been working as an editor and journalist since 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi, which she obtained in 2012. After working as an associate editor at Mondeas Ltd., a custom-media production company, she is currently part of the editorial team at Kwani? Trust. In this position, has fulfilled a variety of roles, from serving as official chaperone to renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at Kwani?’s 10-year anniversary celebrations to facilitating the Etsilat Prize for Literature Nairobi Tour in 2014 and 2015. Most recently, she was head writer for the GoDown Art Centre’s Nairobi-wide neighbourhood festival, Nai Ni Who, and worked as a festival consultant for Writivism Festival Uganda.
Organized every year, Ake Arts and Book Festival is a major gathering of professionals in the field of literature in Africa. Its five-day programme of cultural and literacy-focused events includes readings, workshops, performances, book chats and panel discussions by both Nigerian and international writers and thinkers, a musical play, a film screening and art exhibition. After working at the festival in 2014, Wanjeri is returning to work for the media team as well as to take notes for her stint as Editorial Assistant at the biennial Kwani? Lit Fest, which will take place in December 2015.
AMA wishes Wanjeri safe travels and a fruitful stay in Abeokuta!