#KeLibraries
Books! There’s something about them, whether old or new. The feel of the pages against your fingers, or, in our digital era, the ability to sit in one place and have access to unlimited books through the click of a button.
The history of Kenya’s libraries ties back to the first European settlers in Kenya. Historical records indicate that the first library was set up in 1887, primarily for missionary work, by The Church Mission Society. Although it was located within a mission station in Frere Town (near Mombasa), it was a private library that served the missionaries. Soon, more information hubs were set up, and in 1902, the High Court of Kenya Library was established in Mombasa.
A turnaround in community needs in 1903 saw the establishment of the first public library – Sir Seif Bin Salim Public Library and Reading Room. Asian philanthropists donated funds and set up the structure that would cater for the information needs of both the Asian as well as the European communities.
By 1905, with railway construction underway and the development of the former swampy region into a bustling town, the High Court of Kenya Library was relocated to Nairobi. As the capital grew, American-born Kenyan settler, Lady Lucie McMillan oversaw the construction of the McMillan Library. The library was in honour of her late husband Sir William Northup McMillan and was set up at a central location within the business district. Lady McMillan’s efforts were followed closely behind by Nairobi-based Asians who saw the need to set up a public library. The third library in Nairobi became the Desai Memorial Library in honour of Manilal A. Desai – a man remembered for his tenacity in fighting for equality for both Asians and Africans.
Despite these establishments of these libraries, none were accessible to Africans – with the exception of the Desai Memorial Library. This was probably due to low literacy levels, available content and the likely presence of race class groups.
Today, however, Kenya boasts of libraries accessible to general public. These are great locations to journey back in time.
Herein are the stories of the publicly accessible libraries in the +254, delve into the book projects taking place, and celebrate our reading culture.
#PaukwaStories #KeLibraries
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#KeWildlife
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#ShujaaStories
Heroes are back on centre stage in our human experience. Whether its mythical heroes like the Black Panther, those that we grew up with like Luanda Magere and Wangu wa Makeri or modern ones like Malala and David Rudisha.
Heroes ground us, inspire us, let us know that there is indeed a way to live the life of a higher calling even if you are “just” a school girl, or a tree planter, an athlete or a Red Cross volunteer.
In honour of those who have charted paths in our past, opened doors we didn’t even know were closed, fought fights that changed the course of Kenyan history we bring you Shujaa Stories © – a story collection that allows us to celebrate our common ancestors. #ShujaaStories
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The History of Faith in Kenya
Dotted around our country are buildings that speak volumes. They speak to the connection we have as Kenyans with our faith. Going back centuries, man has found sanctuary, peace and conviction in houses of worship that provide comfort and serenity.
Welcome to our narrative journey around our country exploring various places of worship on #KeHistoryofFaith
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#KenyaUnbowed
Tuesday, 15th January 2019, started out as an ordinary day: people went to work, had lunch dates, chatted on mobile phones, went to the bank, checked in at the pharmacy. It was a day just like any other… until it wasn’t. The day became yet another that will never be forgotten in the fabric of Kenya’s history, sadly for painful, senseless, confusing reasons.
Lives were changed, lost, cut down and impacted in ways that will be experienced for a long time to come.
At Paukwa we tell stories of the Kenya we love, celebrating different facets of the country we are proud to call ours. This week is no different – we will honour those impacted by the tragic events of last week by sharing personal stories that bear witness to the attack at 14 Riverside Drive.
We share these stories:
Because this is how we show the beauty and power of the collective Kenyan spirit, exemplified through the extraordinary experiences of ordinary men and women, that was exhibited in myriad ways that painful day.
Because as a collective we are hurting and to acknowledge the pain we are experiencing is a first step to finding a way through it.
Because we need the stories to be enshrined in our historical fabric, so that we never forget.
Because we need to honour those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking tragedy.
Because we need to share why we say that even in the face of tragedy, these are the reasons we are #KenyaUnbowed.
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#KeSymbols
When we think of who we are as a nation and as people, it all leads back to a time before we emerged victorious against colonial oppression. We earned our freedom, and the days leading up to the 12th of December 1963 were some of the best days in our land.
Every year around this time, we hold the word Jamhuri close to our hearts and minds. Through this word we are also reminded of three symbols that unify us as Kenya
Please join us for the next three days as we tell you the stories of the symbols of national unity.
Tuko pamoja, hii ni Kenya yetu
Welcome to #KeSymbols and with that…
Hadithi Hadithi?
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#PaukwaPeople
At Paukwa we endeavour to honour the everyday people that build our nation. Among us are the Kenyans who, in their own little way, have shaped the positive skew that we intend our country to be built on. These people, like you and us hold fast to the mantra “Najivunia kuwa Mkenya” and have inspired those around them to do better.
In the Paukwa spirit, we have selected ten stories to share with you, highlighting #PaukwaPeople, ordinary Kenyans doing extraordinary things.
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#KeArtefacts
A long time ago Kenyan communities engaged in a different way of life. Pastoralism involved trekking expansive lands in between seasons in search of greener pastures.
Within these communities were people of various occupations, such as hunters and gatherers, who relied on a subsistence economy for survival. There were the herbalists and medicine men, the chiefs and even warriors. Then there were the artisans, who were responsible for the creation of an assortment of artefacts, specific to these communities.
The lack of a permanent settlement didn’t hinder the artisans from carving, moulding, painting or stitching. With each new settlement, natural items were found and the artisans would conceptualize and create more distinctive objects that became their communities’ artefacts. They used less fragile materials; the end result was often a display of remarkable craftmanship, beautiful aesthetics, and complexity of design.
The artefacts ranged from vessels, to stools, to walking sticks, and even musical instruments.
We will be revisiting the artefacts of our communities, the items our great great great grandparents used in their day-to-day lives. As always, you – our Paukwa people, are welcome to share in this visit back to the past.
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#KeExcellence
Kenyans – we are a people of ingenuity, tenacity, hard work, serious compassion, great humor, academic and sporting prowess. We kinda know it, but we often take for granted just how special we are.
It may be our natural tendency to be modest about our successes – we prefer to say we are just surviving even when we’ve just closed the deal of a decade or when we’re finally recognized for being at the top of our game. It’s just who we are.
At the end of the day though, this nation of less than 50 million people packs a powerful punch on a globe of more than 7 billion. We know because across several fields, time and again we’ve taken the stage globally. In the arts, in the sciences, in tech and literary spaces we’ve excelled.
Join us on a journey celebrating Kenyans who have achieved Global Excellence – we applaud them, we embrace them, we thank them for inspiring not just us but the planet.
… and if we happen to be missing any, inbox us and we’ll be sure to get the full story.
Here’s to #KeExcellence
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