New initiative aims to instill reading culture among Kenyan children

A new initiative is seeking to instill a reading culture among young Kenyans by encouraging one million children to read daily through a mobile app.

Spearheaded by global non-profit World Reader, the campaign promotes the use of BookSmart, a free app that offers children’s books in English and Kiswahili. The focus is on encouraging parents to read with their children for just 10 minutes a day—especially children aged zero to five—in a bid to improve not just literacy but comprehension.

World Reader Kenya Chairperson Elizabeth Wasuna said that while many children can read, they struggle with understanding—a challenge that continues into adulthood.

“Reading is more than just decoding words. Our children must understand what they read. That’s why we’re urging parents to take 10 minutes a day to read with their kids,” she said.

With distractions from social media and entertainment apps on the rise, the BookSmart initiative aims to make reading just as accessible and engaging. The app, now integrated into Safaricom’s M-PESA platform, is easily downloadable and compatible with most smartphones. It includes age-specific reading levels, interactive features, and even an AI assistant, Sprouty, which recommends books based on the reader’s preferences.

World Reader is also working with county governments, with Kilifi County becoming the first to formally adopt the campaign. Ochoa said partnerships with the private sector and media have also been instrumental in expanding the initiative’s reach.

Catherine Muraga, Director of Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre and a World Reader board member, said her passion for books inspired her involvement in the campaign.

“Phones are everywhere. If we can turn them into tools for literacy, we can completely change how children engage with learning. Reading also restores family bonds — a parent reading with a child every day is a powerful thing,” she said.

Parents who have adopted the app shared their experiences. Purity Kagendo, a mother of a five-year-old, said BookSmart has replaced the need to constantly buy new books.

“My daughter is now very expressive and confident. She even picks the books she wants to read and asks questions about the stories,” Kagendo said. “It’s affordable, easy to use, and fits into our daily routine.”

Evelyn Muchemi, an educator and mother, said her children now enjoy books in both English and Kiswahili and are developing critical thinking skills.

“They’re more curious and ask thoughtful questions about what they read. It’s had a big impact,” she said.

Board member Mercy Masila Achola called the initiative a chance to rebuild Kenya’s reading culture.

“Reading opens minds. It builds confidence, creativity, and communication. We’re shaping future leaders by forming readers today,” she said.

Though the project is still in its early stages, World Reader has initiated discussions with the Kenya National Library Service and plans to engage the Ministry of Education and other counties.

The app is available through the Google Play Store and on the M-PESA platform, providing an affordable and accessible alternative to printed books. With strong community involvement and growing support, the campaign is gaining momentum.