Khadija Abdalla Bajaber

Khadija Abdalla Bajaber is an award-winning Kenyan author, editor, and literary contributor with a background in journalism and a deep commitment to storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. With a strong foundation in literary publishing, editorial practice, and community-focused creative engagement, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the classroom and beyond. Her work, grounded in narrative and voice, is informed by a belief in inclusive education, curiosity-led learning, and the healing power of story.

• Introduction to Counselling, Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC)
• Excellent copyediting, fact-checking, and redaction skills
• Social media and web content management
• Fluent in English and Kiswahili, basic Arabic
• Experienced beta-reader, writing mentor, and poetry coach
• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite and web research
• Skilled in inclusive editorial feedback while preserving authorial voice

• Graywolf Press African Prize for Fiction winner
• Novel published (The House of Rust) in 2022 in USA through Graywolf, has since been published in Africa and Europe
• International Writer's Program in University of Iowa in 2022
• Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction
• Swiss Arts council ProHelvetia Writing Residency in Lavigny, Switzerland
• 2nd Place, National Interschool Poetry Competition, 2008
• Panelist, Goethe-Institut’s African Poetry Book Launch, Nairobi
• Participated in Jalada Festival Travel Writing Workshop
• Participated in expedition teams in Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya hikes
• Inter-house Debate Captain & Events Leader, Mombasa Academy

• AWAL Ltd., Secretary & Office Manager, 09/01/16 – 01/31/19, Managed correspondence, scheduling, and documentation, Organized internal communications and public relations material
• HiviSasa, Editorial Intern, 2015, Edited and formatted online news pieces, Assisted in maintaining editorial voice and accuracy

• Author of The House of Rust, Winner of the Graywolf Press Africa Prize, Winner of the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction, 10/01/21, Graywolf Press (USA), Enkare Review, A Long House, Lolwe, Down River Road, MMPP Lit, 20.35 Africa, The New York Times
• Editorial Roles, Associate Editor, Sahifa Journal, 2017–present, Assistant Poetry Editor, Panorama Travel Journal – Voice of East Africa Print Edition
• Writing Residencies, International Writing Program, University of Iowa, Spring 2022, Château de Lavigny Residency, Switzerland, 2024
• Literary Festivals, Festival Letterature, Rome, 2022, Macondo Literary Festival, Nairobi, 2022, 2024, Ake Festival, Lagos, 2022, Mathrubhumi Festival, India, 2023, Berlin African Book Fair, Germany, 2023, Festival Dialogoi, Italy, 2023

Author

• Winner of the first Graywolf prize for African Fiction