A First in Vihiga County: A Library
Many people are doubtful of the existence of philanthropic projects in Mulembe Nation (Western Kenya). This is because, unlike in other parts of the country, they are not widely publicized in the media. This lack of publicity is one part deliberate (the left hand should not know what the right hand is giving). The other reason might be the deep entrenchment of religious values in the Mulembe society. Even before the advent of modern religion in Western Kenya in the 18th century, the residents who are known as Luhya were among the most religious people in Africa. Until today their customs and taboos are closely related to Biblical histology.
Among the Luhya, generosity and sharing among relatives and the community are very strong virtues and a deep reflection of society’s values. But shouting about it is frowned upon as conduct unbecoming. Some actually believe that by publicizing the good deeds, the giver loses the inherent blessing. Unknowingly, this silent denial prevents others from participating in ongoing philanthropic projects or initiating new ones.
The Saide Community Library
When I set out to write about the library for young readers, I did not know I would have the problem of choice. Reporting about the library you are spoilt for the choice of what to write down and what to leave out. The Saide Community Library was established in 2013 by Beatrice Lukalo in memory of her parents Ezekiel Lukalo Aluda and Josephine Kaveza Lukalo. The other surprise was that Beatrice does not even live in Vihiga County. Despite living in the diaspora she unselfishly established this project in Vihiga Country.
From having a rich historical background, the library has so many “Firsts” in Vihiga and probably in the whole of Western Kenya.
First, I was, to say the least, amazed in such a rural countryside setting, to stumble upon a fully-fledged library with around 3,500 books and modern a number of electronic book readers. Some of the books were offered by Friends of Africa. Patrons pay only 10 Ksh and 20 Ksh to use this library, another “First”. Those who cannot pay the 10 bob fee are given special consideration and the availability of the books for free.
The Saide Community Library is located in a strategic location a few meters from Chavakali Centre at the junction of Kisumu-Kakamega and Kapsabet/Eldoret junction. From the door, you view the newly constructed highway exchange for vehicles traveling to Kapsabet/Eldoret from the Kakamega-Kisumu highway. This structure gives the area an updated look.
Serving Local Vihiga Children
Beatrice Lukalo’s mission was to provide a center for children to access knowledge within their environment. From the onset, the library became very popular for children from around Chavakali. As the word went around, more pupils came from far to the library for reading and reference. Children spend quality time at the library. It has been particularly useful to parents during the school closure due to the Corona Pandemic. The library has an outreach program. Led by the voluntary Librarian Kelvin Guma, together with other volunteers, books are also taken to some primary schools in the area.
From the beginning, the interest was overwhelming. Both the patrons (the children) and their parents and guardians were attracted to the library like bees to the flowers. The library had to limit the number of users by filtering admission to primary school level students. The fact that the library is equipped with e-book readers (tablets) made it quite unique. It is perhaps the “first” library in Vihiga County to embrace computer technology.
However, there were limitations on the matter of distance. As the word went around more children living further than the normal walking distance showed up to use the facility. Most of these children are from families who cannot afford to pay the fare for their children to travel that distance. So the children trekked sometimes up to two hours to-fro, which meant they had little quality time to read.
Over time the library was also receiving requests from educators from neighbouring schools who took interest in the valuable role played by the library. Some teachers requested if the library could offer mobile library services to their schools.
Investment Needed in Vihiga Libraries
Even as the library was willing to take the library services closer to the users, they are limited by lack of transportation. As the saying goes, if Muhammad cannot go to the mountain, the mountain must come to Muhammad. Not to be discouraged, the volunteers did some brainstorming and came up with a novel way to meet these needs at least halfway. They adopted bicycles (another first) as means for transporting their services to the schools and delivering the library services further into the field. Upon which, the library accepted and started an outreach program for schools in the surrounding areas. As they do not have transport, they use bicycles to take these books to the schools. Other volunteers are Mr. Lung’afa and Sharon Ondego.
However, after the long haul of community service, the physical facilities of the library are in dire need of renovation and equipment. Starting with the torn sign banner outside the building; there is ample need for furniture, including tables and chairs. The library needs more book donations; and with the advancement of technology in most of society’s learning, there is a need for computers.
At Chavakali Centre where this humble library is located, one steps into the citadel of the education history of Kenya. A short distance away is Chavakali Boys’ High School, one of the oldest and best performing schools in Western Kenya. Chavakali High School was started by Chavakali Friends Mission, which was established in 1910 by Yohana Amugune. After the Quakers expanded from Kaimosi Mission Centre, they started the school in 1919 and it grew over time until the secondary school was established in 1959. The school has the longest list of Alumni embedded in every sector of the Kenyan social economy; besides those working and living in the diaspora. I realised that trying to list them would be futile.
Near the library is also the Junction to Eregi, which is established as one of the oldest Teachers Training Colleges in Kenya; and also nests one of the oldest Secondary schools. There are other schools and colleges all over the place.
If those who grew up or were educated at/near Chavakali were to glance back for a few seconds, the needs of this library and the needs of its users would be met at the snap of a finger.
Thanks for bringing information closer