KNLS and KCB Partner to Champion Literacy During National Reading Day 2026
The Kenya National Library Service, in partnership with KCB Bank, is set to host the National Reading Day 2026 celebration on Friday, 10 July 2026, at Maktaba Kuu in Nairobi. The highly anticipated event will bring together learners, teachers, authors, publishers, government officials, and other stakeholders in an effort to promote a strong reading culture across the country. Held under the theme, Our Stories, Our Future: Empowering Minds Through Reading, the celebration seeks to inspire Kenyans of all ages to embrace reading as a lifelong habit while recognizing literacy as a key driver of national development.
National Reading Day has become one of Kenya’s leading literacy initiatives, providing an opportunity for institutions and communities to work together in encouraging reading and learning. This year’s event reflects the continued commitment of the Kenya National Library Service and its partners to expand access to books, improve literacy levels, and empower citizens through knowledge. Organizers believe that fostering a reading culture is essential in preparing young people for future opportunities while strengthening education and innovation throughout the country.
The celebrations will begin with a vibrant reading march that will bring together learners, educators, authors, publishers, and literacy advocates in a symbolic demonstration of unity and commitment to reading. The march is expected to create public awareness about the importance of literacy and inspire more people to participate in activities that encourage learning. Participants will walk together in support of reading as a foundation for personal growth and national progress.
Following the reading march, attendees will participate in a series of engaging activities designed to promote reading and creativity. The programme will feature exhibitions, educational displays, cultural performances, and interactive sessions that will provide visitors with opportunities to learn, share experiences, and appreciate the value of books. These activities have been carefully planned to appeal to children, young people, and adults, ensuring that everyone attending the event finds meaningful opportunities to engage with literature.
One of the major highlights of the celebration will be the publisher exhibition and book fair, which will run throughout the week leading to the main event. Several leading publishing houses, including KLB, Longhorn, Moran, One Planet, East African Educational Publishers, Oxford, Phoenix, Queenex, and Spotlight Publishers, will showcase a wide range of educational materials and books. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase learning resources at discounted prices, making quality educational materials more affordable for schools, parents, and learners. Competency Based Curriculum materials will be available at a twenty percent discount, while books for the 8 4 4 curriculum will be sold at fifty percent off, allowing families to access learning resources at reduced costs.
The event will also provide readers with a unique opportunity to interact directly with renowned authors through engaging discussions and book sessions. These interactions are expected to inspire aspiring writers while encouraging readers to appreciate local literature and storytelling. The Kenya National Library Service continues to promote local authors by creating platforms where they can connect with readers and share their experiences. Such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening Kenya’s literary industry and preserving the country’s diverse cultural heritage through written works.
The main ceremony will take place from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and will bring together key stakeholders from the education sector, government institutions, publishing industry, and the private sector. The programme will include keynote speeches, recognition of outstanding participants, and discussions focusing on the importance of reading in promoting national development. The ceremony will also celebrate achievements made in advancing literacy across the country while encouraging greater collaboration among institutions working to improve access to books and information.
The event will be officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, Ms. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo. Her participation demonstrates the government’s continued support for literacy initiatives and highlights the important role that reading plays in promoting inclusion, education, creativity, and informed citizenship. Government involvement further reinforces the importance of partnerships between public institutions and private organizations in achieving sustainable educational development.
Speaking ahead of the celebration, the Director General of the Kenya National Library Service, Dr. Charles Nzivo, emphasized that reading goes beyond being a basic educational skill. He noted that reading is a powerful pathway to empowerment, creativity, innovation, and responsible citizenship. According to Dr. Nzivo, developing a reading culture enables individuals to make informed decisions, improve their knowledge, and actively contribute to the country’s social and economic development. He encouraged Kenyans from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations and make reading a daily habit.
Activities leading to the main celebration will continue throughout the week and will include youth forums, children’s reading sessions, author spotlights, and various literacy programmes designed to inspire different age groups. These activities aim to create lasting interest in reading while providing opportunities for communities to engage with books in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
As Kenya continues its journey toward becoming a knowledge based society, National Reading Day 2026 stands as an important reminder that literacy remains the foundation of education, innovation, and sustainable development. Through continued collaboration between the Kenya National Library Service, KCB Bank, publishers, authors, and other stakeholders, the initiative seeks to ensure that more Kenyans have access to books and information regardless of their background.
The Kenya National Library Service has invited members of the public to attend the celebrations and participate in building a nation where reading is valued as an essential part of everyday life. With a rich programme of activities, educational exhibitions, and community engagement, National Reading Day 2026 is expected to leave a lasting impact on Kenya’s literacy journey while inspiring future generations to embrace the transformative power of reading.
