Construction of the Ksh2.4 billion ultra-modern national library complex in Upper Hill, Nairobi is nearing completion ahead of its planned opening this year. The project started in April 2012 and is currently 65 percent complete.
Already, five floors on Wing 1A under phase 1 of the project have been fitted with tiles and ceiling. Trunking, air conditioning, electrical fitting and plumbing have also been done. Vision 2030 delivery secretariat sees a huge social-economic transformation in livelihoods once the project is operational.
“The library will offer a comprehensive national reference service to all sectors of the economy and contribute to literacy development, research and support reading recovery and lifelong learning programs,” Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat Director General, Dr Julius Muia, said.
With a sitting capacity of 5,000, the facility is set to rival the British Library in the United Kingdom and the Library of Congress in the US in terms of size. A section for the physically challenged and the visually impaired learners will be set aside.
Kenya has 60 libraries spread across the country, with 36 of them spread across the 47 counties. Users will be able to access full list of books in all libraries and borrow or make reservation over the internet. “We are introducing communities to basic telecommunication technologies and giving impetus to innovative initiatives and knowledge development for children, youth, adult and the aged,” said Dr Muia.
The library will be fitted with wireless internet within 100 meters of the vicinity.
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