Kenyan Author Begins 73-Hour Reading Marathon to Promote Literacy

Kenyan author Emmanuel Muchui began a 73-hour reading marathon at Nuria Book Store in Nairobi on Saturday at 10:51 a.m., with plans to finish at 3:51 p.m. on Monday.

The challenge is intended to encourage stronger reading habits across the country rather than to set a world record. Organisers said the event aims to address Kenya’s weak reading culture at a time when digital entertainment increasingly dominates how people spend their free time.

The current world record for continuous reading stands at 215 hours, achieved by Nigeria’s Samson Ajao in May 2024. Muchui has said that surpassing this mark is not his objective. Bookshop representatives explained that the focus is on creating sustained public awareness about the importance of reading.

The marathon has been structured to include short breaks totalling one hour and 15 minutes. During these intervals, Muchui eats, stretches, and rests before resuming. He spent nearly a month preparing for the challenge and selected a range of books to support him through the three-day period.

Kenya has previously hosted large-scale reading initiatives, including a simultaneous read-aloud event in 2024 involving about 300,000 students, which exceeded the American record of 233,363 participants set by Walden Media. While such collective activities demonstrate significant public participation, individual endurance reading challenges remain uncommon and are often not formally verified.

Muchui’s attempt aligns with similar efforts across Africa, including a 160-hour reading target by Nigerian reader Kenedy Yinefawa, which has not been officially recognised. These initiatives are frequently used to promote literacy and educational engagement.

The event has received support from several public figures. Activist and presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi visited the bookshop during the marathon to show his support.

Muchui is expected to complete the challenge on Monday afternoon.