International Literacy Day 2026 marked with Reading Festival in Kajiado

The festival, organized by Grassroot Nest for Innovation and Change (GRiC) Africa, was held at the Kisapuk Community Learning Center Grounds on Tuesday, bringing together learners, parents, community members, local leaders, publishers, and education partners.

The event aimed to highlight the role of families and communities in creating supportive learning environments beyond the classroom, while also strengthening partnerships between schools and communities they serve. 

Besides learning, the festival showcased the role of African cultural heritage in promoting literacy through local stories, languages, traditions, and creative expressions.

Under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” The festival celebrated literacy not just as an academic skill, but as a foundation for children's confidence, participation, learning and future opportunities. 

The event coincided with International Literacy Day, which is celebrated annually on September 8. The day was proclaimed in 1966 by UNSESCO to remind policy-makers, practitioners, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society. 

“Literacy begins at home, and parents have a crucial responsibility to nurture a culture of reading and writing among their children. I therefore urge parents to take an active role in supporting their children’s learning, because education is a shared responsibility between the home, the school and the wider community," noted Mr. Salat Mohamed.

"We commend GRIC for its commendable initiatives at Kisapuk Primary School and its broader community-based interventions, which are making a meaningful contribution towards improving literacy and strengthening educational opportunities for our children," he added. 

The celebration also marked the culmination of GRiC Africa's International Literacy Day Book Drive.

Speaking at the event, Kisapuk Primary and Junior School Head Teacher Mr. Stanley Letuya said literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write.

He said the skills empower learners with knowledge, confidence and the capacity to participate meaningfully in society, while calling for continued collaboration among teachers, parents, community leaders and partners to ensure every child gets an opportunity to learn.