Kibabii University, in collaboration with Rongo University, hosted a two-day seminar on 10th and 11th June 2026 aimed at promoting a reading culture, strengthening library management practices, and enhancing knowledge sharing among schools and community libraries. The annual initiative, which launched in 2019, seeks to support the devolution of knowledge through book donations and capacity-building programmes for teacher librarians. The training brought together teacher librarians and representatives from thirty five (35) secondary schools and community libraries across Bungoma County.
The training focused on practical aspects of library management, including sorting and cataloguing books, accessioning and stamping materials, maintaining accession registers, ensuring book security and accessibility, acknowledging donors, sustaining library growth, and inducting new library users. Participants were further encouraged to embrace best practices that enhance the effective management and utilization of library resources.
As part of efforts to promote lifelong learning and community-based knowledge sharing, Kibabii University proposed the establishment of a mentorship programme for teacher librarians and the expansion of accessible library services to village communities.
Speaking during the seminar, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) Prof. Joshua Ogendo underscored the critical role libraries play in advancing education, literacy, and community development.
Facilitators noted that a significant proportion of the books distributed through the programme are donated by partners in the United States and subsequently allocated to schools and community libraries to support learning and literacy development. Participants also discussed challenges affecting the growth and utilization of libraries, including the absence of library facilities in some schools, inadequate recognition and employment of librarians, and the declining reading culture among learners.
The event culminated in the official flagging off of books for distribution to participating schools and community libraries, led by Prof. Joshua Ogendo alongside Prof. Julius Maiyo and the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Development), Prof. John Makokha, among other members of the University Management.
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