The County Government of Kiambu, Nation Media Foundation (NMF), and Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a modern public library in Ngewa Ward, Githunguri Sub-County.
This project is part of NMF’s broader initiative to establish public libraries in 14 counties that currently lack such facilities. The goal is to enhance education and literacy across the country.
The new library in Ngewa Ward will use modern construction technology, allowing it to be completed in just 24 weeks. It will serve as a prototype for the other 14 libraries. Although Kiambu already has public libraries, the county was chosen for the pilot project because of its proximity to Nairobi and its large population of learners. The library is expected to serve at least 500 users daily.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi confirmed that the county government has allocated land for the project. He highlighted the importance of the library, saying, “The library will serve the whole county. Our young people will be very excited about it. Kiambu has many schools, colleges, and universities, and the demand for library services will be very high. It will be a busy place.”
NMG interim CEO Richard Tobiko and KNLS CEO Dr. Charles Nzivo signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo and Ngewa Member of County Assembly Charles Kang’ethe also attended the ceremony.
Under this partnership, NMF will construct the library and run literacy programs to promote a reading culture among students in nearby schools and communities. The foundation aims to reach five million learners in Kenya over the next five years.
Kiambu County will staff the library, while KNLS will implement the book management system and stock the library with books.
