World Poetry Day: Spontaneous the Poet changing game for female poets

Rachel Akinyi, better known as Spontaneous the Poet, believes poetry is more than just an art form, it is a confirmation of human expression.

“It is a time to play with words and to see the beauty that comes with word-weaving,” she says, reflecting on what World Poetry Day means to her.

Marked annually under the theme Poetry for Peace and Unity, this day brings together poets and enthusiasts who celebrate through performances, readings, and showcasing poetic brilliance.

For Rachel, it is also a reminder of the power of poetry in shaping society and supporting one another.

Beyond her individual artistry, Rachel is committed to uplifting women in poetry. She co-founded Female Poets Kenya, a collective that brings together 95 female poets from eight counties.

Their latest milestone was a poetry residency at Karichota Retreat, where seven members collaborated on a documentary and an anthology titled Beneath Her Veil.

The residency also offered poetry workshops and art therapy sessions, spearheaded by her co-founder Wangui Kimani.

“Female poets are more than just wordsmiths,” Rachel emphasizes. “We are also photographers, videographers, and producers. By collaborating, we are expanding the creative space and strengthening our craft.”

The birth of Female Poets Kenya in 2023 was fueled by heartbreak—the loss of a fellow poet to suicide. This tragedy ignited Rachel’s resolve to create a support system for female poets.

“As a result, I felt the urge to build a community of resilient poets who will thrive mentally, financially, and sustainably. When female poets know each other, it is easier to carry the burden together,” she explains.

The collective has since become a safe space for women in poetry, offering open mic sessions, exhibitions, spoken word performances, and poetry tours—all with an emphasis on creative entrepreneurship, collaboration, and mental wellness.

Kenya’s poetry landscape continues to evolve, with new poets and platforms emerging. Rachel highlights the work of Creative Spills, an artists' collective organizing events such as Poets You Should Know and today’s highly anticipated show What Doesn’t Kill You, featuring Slim Shaka and Norman Mosoti.

Other notable platforms include Slam Africa, Siasa Place, and Pawa 254, as well as individual artists like Gufy Dox and Mufasa the Poet, who have dedicated themselves to amplifying spoken word performances.

Rachel’s poetry journey started in 1998 when she performed at the Kenya National Drama Festivals as a Class 2 pupil. Her professional breakthrough came in 2015 at Fatuma’s Voice, a renowned weekly poetry forum at Pawa 254.

Since then, she has graced over 300 stages, using her words to advocate for human rights, gender equality, mental health awareness, and anti-human trafficking efforts.

Her work has earned her prestigious recognition, including the Gender and Equality award from ForumCiv.

Most recently, she was a speaker at the Forbes Africa Women Leading Summit in South Africa. As she marks ten years in the industry, she plans to release her first poetry book later this year.

“We have many organisations using poetry as a tool for advocacy. Poets can also create their own events that rally towards a cause,” she advises.

Rachel is also keen on celebrating fellow poets making a difference, including Willie Oeba from Nakuru, Maxie Danielle and Felicity Mudis from Kisumu, Apondi the Poet from Kilifi, and Missing P, who hosts a weekly spoken word show in Diani.

She also commends Namaxi Lukoye, who is teaching children art therapy in Kitale.

Through her work, Rachel Akinyi embodies the resilience, creativity, and transformative power of poetry. For her, every poem is more than just a verse—it is a voice, a movement, and a force for change.