The Nation Media Foundation (NMF) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the County Government of Kiambu and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) to build a modern public library in Ngewa Ward, Githunguri sub-County, Kiambu.
This project marks the start of NMF’s initiative to build public libraries in 14 counties across Kenya, focusing on areas lacking such facilities to boost education and literacy.
Kiambu, though already equipped with public libraries, was selected as the pilot site due to its proximity to Nairobi and its large population of learners. The library, expected to be completed within 24 weeks using advanced construction technology, will accommodate at least 500 users daily.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who attended the MoU signing, confirmed that the county government has allocated land for the project. "This library will be a vital resource for our young people. With the high number of schools and higher education institutions in Kiambu, demand for its services will be significant," said Wamatangi.
Nation Media Group’s interim CEO, Richard Tobiko, emphasized the importance of physical libraries despite the digital era. The library will feature an e-resource center, supported by a planned partnership with a global tech company.
NMF aims to reach five million learners in Kenya over the next five years. In addition to construction, NMF will run literacy programs at the library. The County Government of Kiambu will handle staffing, while KNLS will manage the book inventory and provide a book management system.
The 14 other counties targeted for similar libraries include Lamu, Tana River, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Vihiga, Turkana, Homa Bay, Busia, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Samburu, and West Pokot.
