The 8th annual Library of the Year (Maktaba) Awards took place on Friday, 22nd September at the Louis Leakey Auditorium of the Nairobi National Museum. An initiative of the Goethe-Institut in conjunction with the Kenya Library Association (KLA), The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) and the Ministry of Sports and Culture, the Award aims to recognize excellence in the provision of library and information services in the country.
The keynote speaker during the colourful event was Dr. Mshai Mwangola of African Leadership Centre. Among other dignitaries in attendance were Mrs. Rosemary K.A. Barasa, Managing Director JKF; Dr. Tirong arap Tanui, Chairman KLA; and Mr. Will Clurman, CEO ekitabu. The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation presented the winners with a cheque of Kshs. 800,000.

MD Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Mrs. Rosemary Barasa addressing the gala.
Mrs. Barasa reiterated JKF’s commitment to the course, saying that the organization has supported it since inception in 2009. She expressed her gratitude that the Award has registered remarkable progress if the gains made by winning libraries are anything to go by.
The following libraries emerged winners in their respective categories: Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Overall Winner); Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Winner: Academic libraries): Kenya National Library Services (Winner: Public libraries): Alliance High School (Winner: Public school libraries): Kenya National Library Services (Winner: Community libraries); Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Winner: Special libraries); and Kenya Fluorspar Company Limited (Winner: Private School libraries).

The Managing Director Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Mrs. Rosemary Barasa presenting the sponsorship cheque to Dr. Mshai Mwangola of African Leadership Centre.

KICD are the winners of this year’s Special Library Category

The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation GM Sales and Marketing Mr. Michael Ogillo presenting awards to some of the winners

The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation GM HRA Mr. John Githiaka(Second from Left) graced the occasion as well.