Our approach

  • BOOKS FIRST, TECHNOLOGY SECOND

    Our primary goal is to help students acquire meaningful levels of literacy that will form a critical building block in their future. This means giving every student access to a library filled with inspiring and educational books. If a school also has the capacity to support technology, we additionally take the necessary steps to provide computers and interactive whiteboards. We provide Koha library software, eKitabu and Sugarizer software. We also provide training in basic research and technology skills, as well as stress the importance of IT in teaching, learning and applications in day-to-day life.

  • DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

    We provide a system that helps students, teachers and the community become long-term stewards of their library. Our standard package includes: Training in the use of the library for students, librarians, teachers and communities, a rules handbook, a trackable book checkout system, a book labelling system, a governance constitution document, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and a wide range of student-centric and values-driven leadership posters.

  • EMPOWERING OUR READERS

    Our students govern and manage their library. They are educated about their constitution, their rights, and read from a wide variety of more than 2,000 specially selected books. These cover regional, national and international issues in current affairs, politics, history, science, culture, religion, business and economics. We strive to ensure that we provide essential Afrocentric books.

Our methodology

KEY’s methodology for meaningful change in Kenya’s educational system is to provide fully functioning school libraries in Kenya.

  1. Access for all

    Our vision is that every school-aged child has access to the resources of a library because it is key to a child’s progress and potential, regardless of the child’s background.
  2. Foster engaged students

    We promote the use of the library as a place to practice constitutional and democratic rights. We encourage its use as a forum for good governance, student activism, freedom of expression, self-discovery and personal development.
  3. Align with Kenyan objectives

    We ensure that our measures are compatible with national interests and align with the general objectives of Kenya’s Primary and Secondary Education Syllabus, its 2010 Constitution and Vision 2030 development program.

The libraries we’ve built between 2007 and 2023

Our libraries can be found throughout Kenya. From a container library in rural Muskut Primary School to a newly constructed library at Mpesa Foundation Academy, our proven process is followed to ensure students thrive.

Explore the list below to learn more about types of construction, locations and to see our engaged students and teachers.

  • New Construction

    Mokwo Primary – Rural School

    Kaptarakwa Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • New Construction

    Kapkitony Girls Secondary – Rural School

    Kabiemit Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • Renovation

    Kimwarer Secondary – Rural Boys School

    Soy South Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • New Construction

    Kapchorwa Primary – Rural School

    Metkei Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • New Construction

    Chepketeret Coeducational Day and Boarding Rural Primary

    Kabiemit Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • Renovation

    Kapsabet High School – Boys National School

    Nandi

  • Renovation

    St. Joan Primary – Rural Coeducational School

    Chepkorio Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • Renovation

    Iltolish Primary – Rural Coeducational School

    Masai Mara

  • Renovation

    Dawden School Complex – Rural Coeducational Primary and Secondary

    Ghana

  • New Construction

    Koimur Primary – Rural Coeducational School

    Soy South Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • New Construction

    Chepsirei Primary – Rural Coeducational School

    Elgeyo Marakwet

  • Book Donation Program

    Anwa Academy – Slum Informal Coeducational Primary

    Kibera

  • New Construction

    Maria Soti Educational Center – Rural Girls Secondary

    Kaptarakwa Ward Elgeyo Marakwet

  • Satellite Library

    Oleleshwa Girls – Rural Secondary

    Narok

  • Book Donation Program

    Mobile Library operated by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

    Northern Rangelands Trust Area

  • New Construction

    Starehe Girls Centre – High School for Disadvantaged Girls

    Kiambu

  • Renovation

    Shella Primary – Village Coeducational School

    Lamu

  • New Construction

    Sesia Primary – Rural Coeducational School

    Soy South Ward Elgeyo Marakwet