TAITA TAVETA, Kenya — A new mobile library initiative is set to expand access to books in schools across Taita Taveta County, with 46 primary and secondary schools expected to benefit from the programme.
The initiative brings together the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), Elimu Fanaka, teachers’ unions KNUT and KUPPET, and other education stakeholders.
The programme is designed to give schools access to reading and learning materials without requiring them to establish fully equipped permanent libraries.
Mobile Library to Take Books to Schools
Under the initiative, participating schools will receive books through a mobile library system for an agreed period.
The books will then be returned and moved to other participating schools, allowing more learners to benefit from the available materials.
Former Taita Taveta Governor Engineer John Mruttu said limited access to learning resources had contributed to poor academic performance in some schools across the county.
Speaking during the launch, Mruttu said the mobile library would help address the challenge by making books available to schools that may not have the resources to establish their own libraries.
Programme Expands to 46 Schools
The initiative was initially expected to benefit 21 schools.
However, former Taita Taveta Woman Representative Joyce Lay pledged support for an additional 10 schools, while Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime committed to support another 15 schools through a message delivered during the launch.
The additional commitments have increased the number of schools expected to benefit from the programme to 46.
The expansion is expected to give more learners access to books and other reading materials.
KNLS Backs Reading Initiative
In a speech read by a representative, Kenya National Library Service Director General Dr Charles Nzivo described the programme as an important step towards improving education outcomes.
The initiative is intended to complement existing efforts to promote reading and improve access to educational resources, particularly in schools without established libraries.
Teachers’ representatives from KNUT and KUPPET also participated in the launch.
Educators emphasised the importance of reading in strengthening learners’ understanding and improving academic outcomes.
Mruttu Calls for Libraries in Every Constituency
Mruttu urged the Taita Taveta County Government to consider establishing libraries in every constituency to expand access to books and other learning materials.
He also called on beneficiary schools to take care of the books provided through the mobile library programme.
He said protecting the materials would ensure that they can continue circulating among schools and benefit more learners over time.
