It has been argued that Kenyans are increasingly distancing themselves from books unless there is an examination ahead of them.
Depending on how one looks at the argument, it is either true or false.
But for Lilian Kerubo Gisesa and her family, taking books closer to their immediate community is an undertaking that is close to their hearts.
In 2019, they established Gisesa Community Library on the outskirts of Keroka Town and the number of readers benefitting from the project is increasing by the day.
Situated opposite Keroka Central SDA Church in Westlands area, the library attracts readers of diverse levels, a majority being primary and secondary school learners.
“We appreciate the power of education and we want our people to access books to enrich their knowledge,” says Kerubo.
The Gisesas run the library in a commercial building belonging to the family.
“This was my idea and when I shared it with my family, they all supported it,” she said.
The Gisesas comprise of education lovers perhaps due to the foundation that was laid by the parents.
The patriarch, Prof William Gisesa is a renowned botanist while the matriarch Wilkister Bochere is a retired high school teacher.
While the father gave them the premises, the children renovated it to be suitable for the purpose.
“Our mum also gave us furniture. My brothers including journalist Nyambega Gisesa and Mike Gisesa, and myself brought the initial books from our personal libraries,” Kerubo said.
They also got donations from the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) Nakuru branch and from the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) through the support of an official, Grace Mogaka.
“My friend and colleague Evelyne Kimbei also supported the project,” Kerubo who works at Kisii University said.
On Thursday, Nsemia Publishers CEO, Dr Matunda Nyanchama donated books worth Sh60,000 to the library.
The books included primary and secondary school text books, revision books, story books and novels.
The books were delivered on behalf of the publisher by journalist Nyang’au Araka who is also a published creative writer and biographer.
In a message delivered by Araka, Dr Nyanchama urged other organisations and individuals to support the project in whichever little way they can.
He also urged others to start similar libraries in their communities to enhance knowledge.
Kerubo said the support was timely and would satiate the appetite of readers.
“The project is also keeping young people busy. I believe that more people will come on board to support us and also make use of the available resources,” she said.
She however noted that they have not been able to employ a librarian and only rely on a volunteer, Clency Karimi.
According to Ms Karimi, students have shown more interest than adults.
“I also assist the kids to read. It is good to inculcate the reading culture in them,” she said.
Vivian Cherotich and Naom Gisanda who teach at a school run by the family said they always turn to the library during free time to enhance their knowledge.
PICTORIAL
