Counties to get Sh100m for libraries

Council of Governors (CoG) has been asked to spearhead the strategic development of fourteen county libraries at a cost of Sh1.4billion.

Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa said that Kirinyaga, Vihiga, Busia, Samburu, Machakos, Nyamira, Kajiado, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Tana River, Homa Bay, Lamu and Tharaka Nithi Counties will each get Sh100 million to construct the libraries.

The CS  said that the estimated cost of Sh100 million for each library facility would facilitate implementation of an all-round public library facility that includes reading areas for children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens, physically challenged including persons with visual impairment.

While appearing before the Senate Plenary yesterday, Jumwa said that a public library may act as the only centralised hub for resources in communities where the economic downturn has dampened the living standards of citizens.

The CS said the importance of public libraries is supported by several articles in Article 11(2) (a) of the Constitution that makes provision for promotion of a national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional expression, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage.