Are you a Kenyan author or aspiring writer looking for a global platform? The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is now open for entries. This could be your breakthrough.
This international writing competition is one of the most prestigious short story prizes for African writers, and it is open to all citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Kenya.
Why Kenyan Writers Should Apply
Big Rewards, Big Recognition
Winners receive £5,000 (overall) and £2,500 (regional) prizes. More importantly, they gain global recognition and a publishing platform that reaches millions.
Your Work Published Internationally
Regional winning stories are published in Granta, a world-renowned literary magazine, giving Kenyan writers a chance to showcase their creativity to a global audience.
African Voices Matter
Kenyan writers bring powerful, authentic stories rooted in culture, history, and lived experiences. This prize actively seeks diverse voices from Africa.
Inspiring Kenyan Winners of the Prize
Kenyan authors have made their mark on this global stage, showing that stories from Kenya resonate worldwide:
- Okwiri Oduor – won the overall prize in 2014 for her unforgettable story “My Father’s Head.”
- Makena Onjerika – won the African regional prize in 2018 for her story “Fanta Blackcurrant.”
- Buke Abduba – named regional winner in 2023 for her story “Price Tags.”
- Josiah Mbote – also shortlisted in 2023 for his story “Punching Lines.”
These achievements prove that Kenyan voices are powerful, relevant, and competitive at the highest level of international literature. You could be next.
Submission Details
- Deadline: 1 November 2025 (11:59 PM GMT)
- Word count: 2,000–5,000 words
- Format: Word or PDF (title and word count only on the first page)
- Eligibility: Open to all citizens of Kenya (and other Commonwealth countries), aged 18+
- Languages: English and several regional languages are accepted
Submit your story directly via the Commonwealth Foundation website.
Tips for Kenyan Authors
✅ Write stories that reflect Kenyan culture, identity, and eveyday realities. Local stories have global appeal.
✅ Keep your work unpublished before the deadline.
✅ Edit carefully—grammar, flow, and originality are key.
✅ Don’t wait until the last day—prepare early!
Why ElevateHub Encourages You to Apply
At ElevateHub Kenya, we believe in nurturing authors, storytellers, and educators. This prize is more than just money. It is a platform for Kenyan authors to stand tall internationally, expand their readership, and inspire the next generation of African writers.
If you need editorial support, manuscript review, or publishing guidance, ElevateHub is here for you. Together, let’s raise the Kenyan literary flag higher.
Book a call by clicking here.
You can also drop us an email info@elevatehub.ke
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 could be the moment your writing career takes off.
Start polishing your story today. Submit between now and 1st November 2025.
Thanks for the opportunity for visibility in writing. I’m a Senior Lecturer in Swahili language in Kenya, the regional language of East and Central Africa. I would like to try out this chance by writing and sending you a Swahili short Story entitled “Mstakabali” that focuses on challenges of life after employment and the need for everyone to seize the moment not only to live focused but also to invest into the future before the retirement challenge knocks rudely at our doors.