Pens Down, Winners Revealed: The SPU Library & Yours2Read Story Writing Competition

Nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Great stories have the power to move us, teach us, and inspire us. This past season, the St. Paul’s University Library, in a strategic partnership with Yours2Read.com, set out to find the best storytelling talent within our campus. Sponsored by Dr. Simon Norton, CEO of Yours2Read.com, the competition challenged students to submit original narratives based on specific themes. Running between August and September 2025, the initiative was a resounding success, attracting 43 impressive entries from budding authors across the university.

Celebrating Creativity and Narrative Skill

After a rigorous review process, a panel of judges selected the top 10 submissions that demonstrated outstanding creativity, command of language, and narrative depth. We are thrilled to announce the results of this literary showdown.

The Top Honors

The spotlight falls on Kipruto Nicolas, whose gripping story, "The Last Bullet," clinched the top spot.

The Prize Breakdown:

  • 1st Place: Kipruto Nicolas – Ksh. 30,000

  • 2nd Place: Ksh. 20,000

  • 3rd Place: Ksh. 10,000

  • 4th to 10th Place: Ksh. 2,000 each

Beyond the Prize Money

While the cash rewards provided a great incentive, the competition offered something even more valuable: a platform. All participants were awarded Certificates of Participation to acknowledge their effort and courage in sharing their work. Furthermore, a selection of the best stories will be published on the Yours2Read.com platform. This offers our students a unique opportunity to have their work read by a global audience, serving as a significant stepping stone in their writing careers.

A Commitment to Literary Growth

The SPU Library extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kipruto Nicolas, the top 10 finalists, and every single student who submitted an entry. This competition has not only highlighted the remarkable talent residing within the St. Paul’s community but also strengthened our resolve to support creative expression. We remain committed to partnering with industry leaders like Dr. Simon Norton to provide avenues for our students to grow.

Stay Tuned: Keep an eye on our channels for links to the published stories on Yours2Read.com and announcements regarding future literary initiatives!