Moran Publishers, originally incorporated as Books for Africa in 1970, has a rich heritage that reflects over five decades of growth and transformation in the Kenyan publishing landscape. Under the leadership of Hon. Arthur Moody Awori, who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for nearly 30 years, the company underwent a significant rebranding in 1981, changing its name to Macmillan Kenya. This move signified its increasing independence and ambition to carve out a unique identity in the market. As Macmillan Kenya, the company expanded its operations, relocating its offices multiple times to accommodate growth, while also pioneering local publishing of supplementary materials and school set books in the 1990s. The journey from Books for Africa to Macmillan Kenya laid a strong foundation for what would later become Moran Publishers, highlighting a commitment to quality educational materials and a responsive approach to the evolving needs of the Kenyan educational sector.
In 2010, a pivotal management buyout led by Mr. David Muita transformed Macmillan Kenya Publishers Ltd into Moran (E.A) Publishers Ltd. This marked the start of a new chapter, with a renewed vision focused on maximizing educational outcomes and customer satisfaction. The establishment of a robust social media presence and strategic collaborations—such as the printing and supply of over one million copies for the Norwegian Union to Somalia—illustrated Moran’s commitment to innovation and community engagement. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach beyond Kenya, acquiring subsidiaries and venturing into regional markets while embracing digital transformation initiatives like the launch of the Bongoshapp mobile application. As Moran Publishers evolves, its foundational principles of integrity, quality, and teamwork remain at the core of its mission to lead the African publishing industry.