The Digital Essay Competition (DEC) 2026 is officially underway, continuing its mission of encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and the use of technology in teaching and learning among Kenyan learners.

Now in its fourteenth year, DEC remains one of Kenya’s largest writing competitions, recognizing and rewarding learners, teachers, parents, and caregivers who support students in submitting their essays online. The competition is open to learners in Upper Primary and Secondary schools across the country and continues to provide a platform for young people to express themselves on issues that matter to them.

This year’s theme, “Let Me Speak…”, invites learners to share their experiences, aspirations, ideas, and challenges through creative and original expression. Participants may submit entries in English, Kiswahili, French, German, Arabic, Art, Kenyan Sign Language, Braille, and, for the first time, Kenyan indigenous languages. The introduction of mother-tongue submissions marks an important milestone in promoting linguistic diversity and giving learners greater freedom to express themselves in languages closest to their identity and lived experiences.

The Primary School launch of DEC 2026 was held on 8th May 2026 at Thomas Burke Catholic School in Nairobi County. The event brought together learners and teachers from several schools, including Aga Khan Comprehensive School, Our Lady of Mercy Shauri Moyo, State House School, Wanja and Kim Comprehensive School, and Moi Avenue Comprehensive School. More than 600 learners from Thomas Burke Catholic School participated in the launch, alongside teachers and school leaders. The event featured vibrant performances from participating schools, celebrating creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression among learners.

The Secondary School edition was officially launched on 30th May 2026 at Starehe Boys’ Centre and School in Nairobi County during the Reading Festival hosted by the school in partnership with eKitabu. The event brought together learners and educators from 13 schools across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Embu, and Murang’a counties. Participating schools included Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, Starehe Girls’ Centre, Pangani Girls High School, Aquinas High School, State House Girls High School, Buruburu Girls High School, Maina Wanjigi Secondary School, The Excellence School, Thika Christian School, Thika School for the Visually Impaired, Kamangu High School, Nguviu Boys High School, and schools from Machakos County.

The event provided learners with opportunities to engage with educators, literary practitioners, publishers, and mentors while exploring the importance of reading, writing, and digital learning. Through discussions, performances, and interactive sessions, learners were encouraged to use their voices and creativity to address issues that matter to them and their communities.

DEC continues to champion originality and authentic student voices. Participants are encouraged to develop and submit essays based on their own ideas and experiences while receiving guidance and feedback from teachers, parents, and peers. To uphold academic integrity, all submissions are screened for plagiarism and AI-generated content, ensuring that the competition remains a platform for genuine learner expression.

Winners stand a chance to receive scholarship funds, computing devices, gift hampers, and national recognition. Teachers and schools with outstanding student participation and performance will also be recognized for their contribution to nurturing young writers and thinkers.

As the competition progresses, eKitabu wishes all participating learners the very best as they take part in this year’s edition. DEC 2026 promises to continue inspiring a new generation of confident, creative, and digitally empowered storytellers across Kenya through the simple but powerful invitation: “Let Me Speak…”.

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