From Page to Platform: My Experience at the Launch of Snapplify's Book Buddy at The Nairobi International Book Fair

 

There is an exciting shift happening in how stories and educational content reach readers today. For independent creators, bridging the gap between traditional publishing and digital distribution is a major step. That journey brought me to last year’s Nairobi International Book Fair at the Sarit Centre in Westlands.

As the author of The Rocket Man Saves the Planet from Global Warming with Khari and Taraji, I had been in constant communication with Snapplify’s talent acquisition manager. We were actively working through the process of getting my book onto the Snapplify platform a major milestone for bringing Khari and Taraji’s environmental adventures to a broader digital audience. Because of that ongoing collaboration, I was invited to attend Snapplify’s special event at the fair: the official launch of Book Buddy.

What is Book Buddy?

Unveiled to an audience of publishers, authors, and educators, Book Buddy is Snapplify's AI-powered learning assistant designed to transform static reading into an interactive learning experience.

Integrated directly into the Snapplify ecosystem, Book Buddy acts as a 24/7 digital study companion. Instead of just reading passively, students and teachers can interact directly with their learning materials through features like:

Instant Concept Clarification: Readers can highlight passages or ask questions about complex topics, receiving context-aware explanations instantly.

Automated Study Aids:The tool helps students digest information by generating chapter summaries, custom flashcards, and practice quizzes.

Multilingual Support: It can translate complex ideas and break down language barriers, making learning content far more accessible for diverse student populations.

For authors like myself, seeing technology like Book Buddy in action opens up exciting possibilities for how young readers will engage with eco-fiction and educational books in the future.

AI in Education: The Theme of the Book Fair

The launch of Book Buddy fit squarely into the overarching theme of last year's Nairobi International Book Fair, the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the education system.

For years, the fair has been a hub for physical print, paper, and traditional publishing. However, last year's focus reflected a massive evolution across Kenya and the wider African educational landscape. The discussions centered on how smart technologies can democratize learning and support teachers, rather than replace them.

Integrating AI into classrooms and digital libraries addresses several key challenges:

1. Personalized Learning:AI tools allow students to learn at their own pace, offering extra explanations to those who need them without slowing down the class.

2. Greater Accessibility:By delivering intelligent tutoring tools through digital platforms and even low-data channels, quality learning resources reach beyond physical classroom walls.

3. Interactive Engagement: Instead of rote memorization, AI encourages kids to ask questions, think critically, and interrogate the material they are reading.

Looking Ahead

Attending the event at the Sarit Centre provided a clear picture of where digital publishing is headed. Being in the process of bringing The Rocket Man Saves the Planet from Global Warming with Khari and Taraji onto the Snapplify platform while witnessing their launch of cutting-edge AI tools was a fantastic look into the future of African literature and learning. 

As writers, creating the story is only the first step, ensuring it reaches young minds through the platforms shaping tomorrow’s classrooms is where the real impact begins.

The Rocket Man Saves the Planet from Global Warming with Khari and Taraji at Nairobi Bookfest 2025

 

The Nairobi Bookfest 2025 at Alliance Française was more than just a literary event for me it was a defining chapter in my journey as a children’s book author, climate advocate, creative entrepreneur and social impact advocate. For three unforgettable days, stories, ideas, and community came alive in a space that celebrated African voices, imagination, and purpose-driven storytelling.

I was deeply honored to be introduced and invited to participate in the exhibition area as an author by the renowned Kenyan writer Euniah Mbabazi. Her support and recognition meant a great deal to me, especially as an emerging author working at the intersection of children’s literature, climate education, and creative expression. Being welcomed into the festival through such a respected voice in Kenya’s literary space was both humbling and affirming. I met Euniah at Nuria bookstore where we both sell our books.

 

At the heart of my participation was my children’s book, The Rocket Man Saves the Planet from Global Warming with Khari and Taraji a story designed to make climate change understandable, relatable, and hopeful for young readers. Throughout the festival, I had the opportunity to showcase the book, engage directly with parents, educators, and children, and explain the inspiration behind the story: empowering African children to see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and protectors of the planet.

The exhibition area buzzed with energy. Book selling was just one part of the experience there were conversations, laughter, learning moments, and spontaneous exchanges of ideas. Children were especially curious, asking questions about the characters Khari and Taraji, the science behind global warming, and how they too could help save the Earth. Those interactions reminded me why children’s literature is such a powerful tool for change.

One of the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to enjoy the company of other accomplished Kenyan authors, including Sandra Nekh. Being surrounded by writers who are shaping narratives, challenging norms, and expanding the literary landscape was incredibly inspiring. The sense of community among authors established and emerging alike made the experience feel collaborative rather than competitive.

Beyond book sales, the three-day event was filled with enriching activities: panel discussions, readings, networking sessions, and cultural exchanges that reflected Nairobi’s vibrant literary scene. Alliance Française provided the perfect setting open, creative, and welcoming to host conversations that matter, especially those centered on education, children, and Africa’s future.

For me, Nairobi Bookfest 2025 reaffirmed the importance of telling stories that matter. The Rocket Man Saves the Planet from Global Warming with Khari and Taraji is not just a book it is part of a larger mission to use storytelling to advocate for climate action, environmental awareness, and inclusive fun education for children, particularly in underserved communities.

As I look back on those three days, I carry forward gratitude, new connections, and renewed motivation. Nairobi Bookfest was a reminder that when stories, community, and purpose come together, they create impact far beyond the pages of a book. And reading culture is something that needs to be upheld.