Nairobi: The Rotary Club of Suna Migori has made a significant contribution by donating over 30,000 books to support the establishment of the first public library in Migori town. This initiative marks a crucial step in improving literacy within the community.
According to Kenya News Agency, the donation comprises 30,000 international books and 500 local books. This effort is part of a partnership agreement between the Rotary Club and the Migori County government, as announced by the Club’s president, George Orinda, during the official handover ceremony at the County’s Musomi offices. Orinda emphasized the Club’s commitment to enhancing local literacy by assisting in the establishment of a centrally located public library, facilitating easier access to educational resources.
Orinda further detailed that the donation package includes the procurement of computers, internet installation for book circulation, modern bookshelves, and librarian training, all valued at Sh4.5 million. The initiative aims to provide a free resource center for the community, addressing the concerning decline in reading culture, which has been overshadowed by social media engagement.
In collaboration with the Migori County government, the Rotary Club has committed to stocking the library with books, digitizing the facility, and training librarians. Governor Ochilo Ayacko will provide a spacious building, necessary furniture, and sustainability plans for the library. Orinda mentioned that the procurement of computers and training of workers is underway, with the library’s official launch scheduled for July.
Migori County’s Chief Officer in Charge of Gender, Inclusivity, Culture, and Social Services, Prof. Rose Ogwang, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for their support, highlighting the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance literacy. She noted that the new library will provide broader access to learning materials, complementing the existing public library in Awendo town.
Prof. Ogwang pointed out that Migori town’s central location is advantageous for potential visitors from Kuria land and Nyatike’s semi-arid region. She acknowledged the region’s reading culture, currently below 50 percent, as a contributing factor to the persistence of some negative cultural practices. The new library, linked remotely with the Kenya National Library Service, is expected to serve learners, researchers, writers, and the general public seeking knowledge and resources.
