Wajir County has intensified efforts to promote literacy after First Lady Rukia Abdinasir led National Reading Day celebrations with the launch of a countywide distribution of approximately 12,000 books aimed at improving access to reading materials in schools and community libraries.
The event, held at Ileys Mixed Day Secondary School, brought together learners, teachers, parents, education officials and development partners under the theme “Our Stories, Our Future: Empowering Minds Through Reading.”
Speaking during the celebrations, Rukia Abdinasir said reading is more than an academic requirement, describing it as the foundation of lifelong learning, critical thinking and personal growth.
She noted that nurturing a reading culture among children would equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to society.
As part of the celebrations, the county officially launched the distribution of around 12,000 books through the County Department of Education. The books will be delivered to constituency headquarters libraries, Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, primary schools and secondary schools across Wajir County.
The initiative is expected to strengthen both school and community libraries while expanding access to quality reading materials for thousands of learners.
The First Lady was accompanied by Abdullahi Mire, founder of the Refugee Youth Education Hub, as the two reaffirmed their commitment to advancing literacy and improving educational opportunities for children across the county.
Education stakeholders attending the event said increasing access to books is a critical step towards improving reading habits and academic performance, particularly in underserved communities where learning resources remain limited.
Rukia Abdinasir called on parents, teachers and community leaders to make reading a daily habit in homes and schools, saying every child who develops a love for reading gains a stronger educational foundation and better opportunities for success in life.
She also thanked the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Hon. Mohamud Abdirahman, together with officers from the County Department of Education, for spearheading the initiative.
The First Lady further acknowledged the support of the Kenya Literature Bureau, Abdullahi Mire, Mama Nuria Abdullahi Abdi (HSC), and other education partners whose contributions made the programme possible.
The National Reading Day celebrations concluded with appreciation to the administration, teachers, students and the wider community of Ileys Mixed Day Secondary School for hosting the event.
Learners and teachers from Wajir Full Primary School, God-Ade Primary School and Wajir Deaf Primary School also participated in the celebrations, highlighting the county’s inclusive approach to promoting literacy and ensuring that every child has access to the resources needed to cultivate a lifelong culture of reading.
County education officials expressed optimism that the expanded availability of books will improve literacy levels, encourage a stronger reading culture and contribute to better learning outcomes across Wajir County.
