Kenya: PEN International expels the PEN Kenya centre
19 October 2026: The Assembly of Delegates of the 92nd Congress of PEN International, held online in September 2026, voted to expel the PEN Kenya Centre from the global association of writers. The expulsion took immediate effect and cannot be reversed under the Constitution of PEN International.
This decision followed a formal one-year suspension of PEN Kenya, voted on at the 91st PEN Congress in Krakow, Poland, in September 2025. During this period, PEN Kenya was given a chance to provide a clear pathway to reinstatement, contingent on fulfilling specific measures, including settling significant outstanding membership dues and taking corrective action on conduct and practices within the Centre that violated the PEN Charter and PEN International’s core values. However, the Centre failed to meet the criteria for reinstatement, including compliance with the PEN Charter, ethics, and values.
"While we deeply regret taking this drastic step, maintaining the integrity, ethical standards, and accountability of our collective organisation is our highest priority. We owe it to our global membership and all compliant PEN Centres to ensure that our shared Charter and spirit are upheld without exception." Arne Svingen, International Secretary of PEN International, said.
Effective immediately, the PEN Kenya Centre is stripped of all rights, privileges, and recognition associated with PEN International. The expelled group may no longer use the organisation’s name, branding, or assets for any future operations.
Despite PEN Kenya's expulsion, PEN International strongly reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a vibrant presence in the country. The organisation remains dedicated to supporting Kenya’s literary voices to foster a robust national ecosystem that celebrates and nurtures the flourishing of diverse literatures; advances equity of expression within and beyond the organisation; promotes translation and linguistic rights, defends freedom of expression and acts courageously in solidarity with writers at risk in Kenya and beyond.
PEN International warmly welcomes all expressions of interest in establishing a new PEN Centre in Kenya. We welcome engagement with literary writers who work as an inclusive and representative collective of Kenya's literary scene, and who commit to the PEN Charter, core values and regulations, and human rights values.
Interested groups may contact Nduko o’Matigere at the International Secretariat for support and guidance on the protocols for establishing a new PEN Centre.
Note to Editors:
For more information, please contact: Nduko o’Matigere, Head of Africa Region of PEN International, email: [email protected]
For media queries and interviews, please contact: Sabrina Tucci ,Head of Communications and Campaigns PEN International, email: [email protected]