Kenyan author and avid reader Emanuel Muchui has embarked on a 73-hour nonstop reading marathon at a bookstore in Nairobi, in a bid to promote a strong reading culture across the country.
According to online reports, the marathon began on Friday, January 16, at 10:05 a.m. and is scheduled to run continuously until Monday, January 19, at 3:51 p.m.
Muchui has clarified that the initiative is not an attempt to break the global reading record of 215 hours, which was set by Nigeria’s Samson Ajao in May 2024 after reading aloud for nine consecutive days.
Instead, he says the challenge is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reading and inspiring Kenyans to reconnect with books.
Muchui noted that increased screen time, driven by social media and digital entertainment, has steadily replaced reading habits in recent years. Through the marathon, he hopes to encourage both young people and adults to spend more time reading and rediscover the value of books.
The event has drawn attention online, with many praising the author’s effort to champion literacy and revive interest in reading in an increasingly digital age.
