The DRIVE network (www.drivenetkenya.com) was set up in May 2020 with funding from the UK Government and brings together international researchers, charities, NGOs, and stakeholders based in Kenya to explore the potential benefits of digitization for promoting access to and engagement with reading.  Although our planned activities were disrupted by the global pandemic, we have been meeting regularly since September 2020, and our network has been growing steadily. One of our main partners is Worldreader, and it was through their work that I came to know of the Saide Community Library and the role of youth leader Kelvin Gwuma. I was very impressed by Kelvin’s dedication to promoting reading and invited him to join our network. Since then, he has contributed blog posts, presented at meetings, and trained as a facilitator for the digital storytelling part of our project.  

Our network comprises a number of librarians, including Professor Kavulya, Chief Librarian at Chuka University, Fredrick Otike, Librarian at the Dedan Kimathi University, and Mary Kinyanjui who works for the Kenya National Library Service in Kibera. Through their insights and those of Kelvin, we have identified libraries as a key resource not only for providing readers with access to the latest reading technologies and to digitized books and reading materials, but also in helping to train readers with how to get the most out of their digital reading.  Our sessions have provided valuable insights into existing programs for readers in libraries in Kenya, and we have also been learning about the latest advances in assistive technologies and inclusive design from experts based in Kenya, Syria, and the US.

Our project is particularly concerned with inclusivity for women readers and people with disabilities, and our activities include creating digital stories to reflect the experiences of those who are so often ignored or left behind. This initiative will include workshops on digital storytelling facilitated by Kelvin over the next month or so. The stories created will feature on our project website, the websites of our project partners, and will be available to view on YouTube. Participants will be trained in the latest audio and visual editing software and will create 2-3 minute long films reflecting on their reading and the role of the digital in their lives.  

We are delighted to be partnering with SAIDE Community Library in delivering this part of the project. The Library already does a lot of important and inspirational work in the local community and provides a welcoming and inclusive space for its users. This has perhaps been more important than ever during the current pandemic, demonstrating how vital our libraries are as community hubs where all can come together to enjoy and share the joys of reading.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Prof. Bronwen Thomas