Machakos County has received a major education boost after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba commissioned a state-of-the-art Smart Library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School.
The technology-driven facility combines traditional books with digital learning tools, creating an interactive environment that supports the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Equipped with computers, high-speed internet, and accessible learning spaces, the project aims to improve the quality of education while equipping learners with the digital skills needed for the modern world.
The Smart Library marks another step towards modernising Kenya's education system by expanding digital access, promoting inclusion, and strengthening learning outcomes nationwide.
Smart Library in Machakos Brings Technology and Learning Together
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba officially unveiled the innovative Smart Library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School, describing it as a significant milestone in Kenya's journey towards technology-enabled education.
The modern facility blends physical books with digital resources, allowing students and teachers to access curriculum-aligned learning materials through computers, online platforms and high-speed internet.
Unlike conventional school libraries that mainly provide printed books, the new learning hub encourages interactive education by giving learners access to both traditional and digital content in one location.
The project also supports the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by creating an environment where technology complements classroom teaching and encourages research, innovation and independent learning.
Key Features of the Smart Library
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Physical and digital books | Expands learning resources |
| Computers and internet | Supports digital education |
| Online learning platforms | Enhances classroom learning |
| Accessible design | Promotes inclusive education |
| Curriculum-aligned resources | Supports CBC implementation |
Smart Library Resources at a Glance
Books Donated ████████████████████████ 2,300+
Digital Learning ████████████████████████ Available
High-Speed Internet ████████████████████████ Installed
Accessible Facilities ████████████████████████ Fully Integrated
The Smart Library reflects the government's push to integrate technology into schools while ensuring learners develop digital literacy alongside academic knowledge.
Inclusive Learning Environment Benefits Students and Teachers
Accessibility remains one of the defining features of the new facility.
The library includes wheelchair-accessible ramps and barrier-free spaces, ensuring learners, teachers, and visitors living with disabilities can move freely throughout the building.
Beyond the library itself, the project has improved the school's overall learning environment. More than 2,300 curriculum-aligned books have been donated, significantly increasing the range of educational materials available across different grade levels.
Three classrooms have also undergone renovation and modernization to create more learner-friendly spaces. Teachers will benefit from a newly constructed ablution block designed to improve their working conditions.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Ogamba said the project demonstrates the impact of partnerships between government and private organizations.
He noted that expanding access to technology will help learners develop critical thinking, digital literacy and innovation skills needed in today's rapidly changing world.
WITIA Plans More Smart Libraries Across Kenya
The Machakos facility is the second library established under the Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) Smart Libraries for a Smart Nation Initiative.
The first Smart Library was launched at Nkaimurunya Comprehensive School in Kajiado County, where it has served as a model for integrating technology into learning.
According to WITIA, lessons from the Kajiado project helped improve the design of the Mbukoni facility by strengthening accessibility, expanding learning resources and creating a more inclusive environment.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) also welcomed the initiative. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Purity Ngina said digital transformation in education should ensure every learner enjoys equal access regardless of gender, disability, economic background or location.
WITIA has since announced plans to establish similar Smart Libraries in underserved schools across Kenya before expanding the initiative to other African countries.
The rollout signals growing efforts to bridge the digital divide, improve learning outcomes and prepare Kenyan students for an increasingly technology-driven future.
