Education Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot has called for greater efforts to promote literacy among children as Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking International Literacy Day 2026.
Wendot joined learners, teachers, parents, development partners and other stakeholders in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, for the celebrations marking 60 years since the global observance was established.
This year’s International Literacy Day was marked under the theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.”
Wendot said literacy should not only be viewed as the ability to read and write, but also as an important tool for gaining knowledge, developing critical thinking and taking part in the country’s development.
She said the government was also looking at the link between literacy, culture, identity and child development.
According to Wendot, books play an important role in preserving stories and languages while helping children understand themselves and the world around them.
In addition, she spoke about the need to empower young people in digital and information literacy in order to foster responsible creation and use of information.
Donation of 600 Books to Schools
At the event, Wendot commended the Kenya National Library Service, the County Government of Baringo and Book Aid International for collaborating and working towards enhancing accessibility of reading materials.
The donation of 600 books to beneficiary schools in Baringo was one of the ways through which this goal is achieved.
She encouraged parents, schools and the community at large to ensure that children have an opportunity to read every day through creating conducive places from which learners could access books and other reading materials.
According to her, every child needs an opportunity to learn no matter where he or she comes from.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, the CS emphasized the need to strive towards having a nation that recognizes the importance of literacy, knowledge, innovation and culture.
