FCA Kenya Receives over 6,000 Books Donation to Boost Literacy in Kakuma Refugee Camp

More than 30,000 learners in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps will soon receive new learning materials, thanks to a generous book donation.

In celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), in partnership with Book Aid International (BAI) and Finn Church Aid Kenya (FCA Kenya), flagged off a consignment of over 6,000 books valued at KES 7.5 million (Euro 56,000). These books will support students across eight FCA-supported schools in the two camps.

The handover ceremony, held at the KNLS headquarters, marked a significant milestone in enhancing literacy and education in marginalized communities. The event was led by FCA Kenya Country Director John Bongei and KNLS Director of Culture Betty Kalugo, with attendance from Mary Kinyanjui, Head of the Department of Acquisition, Cataloguing, Classification, and Distribution at KNLS; Deborah Tendo, author and Commercial Development Officer at Wells Fargo; and other FCA staff.

Betty Kalugo, Director of Culture at KNLS, expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of ensuring that books reach communities with limited access to learning materials. 

“On behalf of the KNLS Board, we are honored and privileged to support this initiative. The books from Book Aid International will make a meaningful impact in communities where access to learning materials is limited,” she said. “Books are gateways to knowledge, and today, we celebrate by ensuring they reach the children who need them most.”

John Bongei, FCA Country Director, expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that the books will benefit learners from early childhood to secondary school in Kakuma and Dadaab. 

“These books will support literacy, numeracy, and a culture of reading in underserved communities. This partnership with KNLS and Book Aid International is just the beginning. We now appeal to local publishers to help us with curriculum-based materials as donor funding declines,” Bongei said.

Deborah Tendo shared a heartfelt reflection as both an author and logistics partner. “As a child who grew up in the slums, I relied on KNLS’s mobile libraries. It’s powerful to now be part of the team ensuring books reach refugee camps. Every child should have access to books — they are tools for dreaming and discovery.”

FCA ECHO Project Manager Joseph Kyutha, emphasised the impact of the donation on the ground. “We work with over 36,000 learners across primary and secondary schools in Kakuma and Dadaab. These books will be crucial in improving literacy and educational outcomes,” he said.

The event highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the Right to Education, especially in remote and underserved regions. With support from organisations like BAI and KNLS, FCA continues its mission to create lasting change through education.

Watch more: FCA Kenya featured on Citizen TV on International Book Day

Text: Daisy Obare