Soma Nami Books, a new bookshop founded by Muthoni Muiruri and Wendy Njoroge, launched in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday, August 6, 2021.
Muthoni Muiruri and Wendy Njoroge met at a book club and made a connection over their shared love of books several years ago. In February 2021, they launched an online bookstore www.somanami.co.ke with a focus on books written by African authors. This past Friday, they took their project to another level as they introduced the physical version of Soma Nami books to the Nairobi book reading audience.
“We started out as a book club, but we had the challenge of accessing the books that we really wanted to read, we therefore figured that we could create a space that caters to other book lovers like us.” Muthoni Muiruri said.
Soma Nami books, located at the Greenhouse Mall, along Ngong road by the Adams Arcade,
is designed with book lovers in mind. Featuring a luxurious seating area and a coffee station, it is the ideal location for book clubs to gather or book lovers to visit and spend their time.
“We strongly feel that anybody who walks into Soma Nami Books will be able to find something that caters to their taste” Ms Njoroge said.
It was a celebration at the open day as book lovers came to the shop which was offering a 10% discount on all titles. Those who came were treated to one of the most Instagram-able spaces around with gorgeous décor. On the walls, you will find paintings of the Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Maaza Mengiste, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Alaa Al Aswany, Chinua Achebe, and Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi giving memorable quotes.
As previously stated, the hub is located at the Greenhouse Mall, along Ngong road by the Adams Arcade.
Some images from the book store and the launch day.
Wendy Njoroge, James Murua, and Muthoni Muiruri
