Maktaba Awards set to recognise outstanding libraries

The former German ambassador to Kenya, Mrs. Margit Hellwig-Boette (2nd from right) with the winners of the best academic library (USIU) in 2011. PHOTO| COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Currently, Kenya is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that presents a national award for libraries annually.
  • Last year’s winner was the Catholic University of East Africa .
  • This year, winning libraries will receive cash prizes, book donations, trophies and recognition certificates.

Goethe-Institut Kenya, the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and the Kenya Library Association have teamed up for the fifth edition of the Maktaba Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in the provision of library and information services in Kenya.

According to the organisers, the introduction of a national library award in Kenya was driven by the realisation of the key role that information plays in the modern world and the fact that Kenya is part of the global information society.

THE ONLY COUNTRY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Currently, Kenya is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that presents a national award for libraries annually.

Last year’s winner was the Catholic University of East Africa .

This year, winning libraries will receive cash prizes, book donations, trophies and recognition certificates.

The event will be held at the Louis Leakey Auditorium of the National Museums of Kenya on Friday, September 19th.