Award-winning author Sue Nyathi has issued a strong appeal to readers in Kenya following the growing popularity of her novel The Polygamist, which recently gained renewed attention after its adaptation into the Netflix South Africa series.
In a statement shared with her audience, Nyathi specifically addressed her Kenyan followers who have shown increasing interest in binge-reading the original book after watching the series on Netflix.
“This post is specifically for my Kenyan followers who loved #ThePolygamist series on @netflixsa and now want to binge read the book. It has come to my attention that there is a bookstore in Nairobi called @affordablebooks_ke selling pirated copies. It might not be the only bookstore but please don’t buy pirated copies. I am working day and night (like Michael Jackson) to make sure the book becomes available in the East African region. Copyright infringement is a crime and a violation of my rights.”
Copyright concerns in Kenya’s book market
Nyathi’s remarks highlight a recurring challenge within the regional publishing and retail ecosystem: the circulation of unauthorised or pirated book copies. According to her statement, the alleged distribution of such editions undermines not only her intellectual property rights but also the broader publishing value chain that supports authors, editors, and legitimate booksellers.
While she did not provide further details beyond her public message, her call serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting copyright law and supporting authorised distributors.
Growing demand driven by screen adaptations
The surge in interest around The Polygamist reflects a wider trend where screen adaptations drive renewed readership of original literary works. The Netflix adaptation has introduced the story to new audiences across Africa and beyond, increasing demand for the source material.
However, this rising demand can also create opportunities for unauthorised reproductions, particularly in markets where digital and print distribution channels are still developing.
Author’s push for legitimate access in East Africa
Nyathi also noted that she is actively working to ensure the book becomes more widely available in the East African region. This suggests ongoing efforts to strengthen official distribution channels so that readers can access the book legally and more conveniently.
Her message underscores a dual priority for authors: expanding access while protecting intellectual property rights.
The bigger picture
For readers, the issue goes beyond a single title. It touches on the sustainability of creative industries in Africa, where authors often rely on legitimate sales to fund future work. Supporting authorised copies ensures that creators are fairly compensated and that the publishing ecosystem remains viable.
As demand for African storytelling continues to grow globally, Nyathi’s appeal highlights the need for stronger awareness around copyright compliance and ethical consumption of creative content.
Parents Magazine will continue to follow developments around the availability of The Polygamist in the East African market and broader conversations on publishing rights and access to literature.
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