- The 254 Report
- Posts
- Historic Partnership Brings First Smart Library to Kenyan Public School
Historic Partnership Brings First Smart Library to Kenyan Public School
Gerald Kombo
November 07, 2025
Alistair Lindsay, president-elect, Rotary Club of Karen
Historic Partnership Brings First Smart Library to Kenyan Public School
Nkaimurunya, Kajiado County - In a groundbreaking initiative valued at KSh 3.5 million, Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) and the Rotary Club of Karen officially launched Kenya's first Smart Library pilot project at Nkaimurunya Primary School on Friday, November 7, 2025.
The innovative facility combines traditional books, modern computers, and structured digital learning programs to promote literacy and technology-driven education in underserved communities.
WITIA Smart Library dedication plaque officially opened by Eunice Polhmann, Founder and Chair of Women in Technology and Innovation Africa
A 15-Year Partnership Reaching New Heights
Alistair Lindsay, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Karen, reflected on the club's long-standing relationship with the school during the launch event:
"We've been working with Nkaimurunya Primary School for over 15 years. We've put in a borehole, supplied water, established a library, and renovated their special needs classroom. Now with this partnership with WITIA, we are taking it to another level."
The Rotary Club of Karen's commitment extends beyond infrastructure, including annual bursaries for the top three students to attend secondary school and distributing over 120,000 books across Kenya earlier this year through their partnership with Oxford University Press.
Rotary Club of Karen and Lagos donation plaque in partnership with Longhorn and Oxford Publishers
Why Nkaimurunya?
Of the six schools the Rotary Club of Karen supports in the community, Nkaimurunya was identified as the ideal location for this pilot project. Lindsay explained:
"Of all the schools we support in the Karen community, this one is the most needy in terms of developing and bringing it up. When we partnered with WITIA, this was the perfect one to start as a pilot project."
Headteacher Charity Marinda making opening remarks
First of Its Kind in Kenya
The Smart Library initiative aligns with Rotary International's seven pillars, particularly basic education and literacy. Lindsay emphasized the project's significance:
"This is the first Smart Library project of its kind in Kenya. This project elevates our traditional book donations and mentorship programs by combining the curriculum in the smart library with computers we've donated and pre-loaded educational programs."
The collaboration formed when WITIA member Mwendwa connected the organizations, representing a perfect alignment between WITIA's technology focus and Rotary's education goals.
WITIA board members at the Smart Library launch
Expanding Impact Beyond One School
The partnership envisions scaling this model across multiple schools. Lindsay confirmed:
"We will roll it out with WITIA and other partners across our other schools, then take it to our cluster Rotary Clubs."
As part of the celebration, two top-performing students experienced their first airplane ride - a scenic one-hour flight over Nairobi. The gesture reflects the Rotary Club's commitment to mentorship and student motivation through educational incentives.
This signboard was donated by Rotary Club of Karen
Reply