Reading is one of the many things that even literate people take for granted. Promoting a reading culture in Kenya requires a concerted effort from al; people to make it entrenched, especially among the youth. Reading is defined as a process of communication through which most normal learning happens. One has to understand the written language and respond to the message of the author. Promoting a reading culture has been one of the major themes in many countries, Kenya included, yet despite all these efforts, there is not one country that is satisfied with the number of readers within its population.Illiteracy Rate in Kenya
Promoting a reading culture in Kenya is a concept that is known too well. Numerous programs to encourage a reading culture have taken place since the onset of the 20th century. For instance, NGOs, publishers, book industries, the UN as well as other major players, have been agitating or the development of a reading culture in Kenya. The Kenya National Library Service has also been stimulating the public to embrace reading as well as develop an interest in books to enhance knowledge, information, and enjoyment.
The reading tent approach
The reading tent approach has been used in Kenya since the 90’s as a way to entrench that reading culture and skill amongst children. Various organisations are still employing this approach to promote a reading culture within the country. Notable organisation includes the Kenya National Library Service, the Egerton University Reading Tent Project, Kenya Library Association, and Kenyatta University Basic Education Resources Centre and so on. All these organisations are responsible for children reading tents which operate under the National Book Development Council of Kenya.
Reading in Kenya starts at the primary age of six and runs for eight years. The idea is to prepare the children to participate in the social, political, and economic advancement of the pupils. The primary education has expanded in Kenya since 2003. Even though there have not been elaborate plans to promote a reading culture, there are some efforts that are underway to foresee the achievement of excellent reading culture within the country. The responsibility to promote a reading culture has been left to language teachers for a long time. However, some entities have come in to help in developing a reading culture in Kenya.
Schools with libraries give every child a chance to read during lessons. As people select books fo their interest, they are given an opportunity to read what interests them, thereby backing accustomed to learning a lot.
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