The linear characteristics of electron-acoustic waves and associated kinetic instability are investigated in an unmagnetized electron-ion plasma containing streaming warm (hot) electrons, dynamical cool electrons and static background of the positive ions. The plasma under consideration is modeled by using a non-gyrotropic nonextensive q-distribution function in which the free energy source for wave excitation is provided by the relative directed motion of streaming warm electrons with respect to the cool electrons.In the frame work of kinetic theory, the Vlasov-Poisson equations are solved to derive the expressions for linear dispersion relation and Landau damping rate. The results are analyzed for threshold condition of wave dispersion and instability growth rate in the presence of nonextensive effects. The relevance of study to the observed situations is also described. • The plasma under consideration is modeled by using a non-gyrotropic nonextensive q-distribution function. • In the frame work of kinetic theory, the Vlasov-Poisson equations are solved to derive the expressions for linear dispersion relation and Landau damping rate. • The results are analyzed for threshold condition of wave dispersion and instability growth rate in the presence of nonextensive effects.