The AMG Foundation has made significant strides in empowering communities through education with the grand opening of its largest library to date in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. The new facility, situated in the Majengo area behind Cedar Mall, is set to provide a much-needed educational resource for the local community. This 200-seater library is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to fostering learning and bridging the educational divide, especially in underserved areas.
The establishment of the Nanyuki library is part of AMG Foundation’s Empower Future Lives’ initiative. This initiative aims to provide access to quality educational materials and resources, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities have the opportunity to learn and grow. The library is a collective effort of AMG Realtors’ customers, who contributed through the September campaign, “A Plot for You, A Library for Them.” For every Sh100,000 invested in the campaign, 12 books were purchased, and for every Sh500,000, a computer was acquired. This innovative model has successfully provided over 5,000 books and several computers, making the dream of an expansive library a reality.
The new library is strategically located in a bustling area that is easily accessible to both students and the broader community, a key aspect of AMG Foundation’s approach. Unlike traditional school-based libraries, AMG’s libraries are situated in shopping centers, ensuring that anyone, not just students, can access educational resources. In this way, the foundation is leveling the playing field, particularly for families who may not have the means to provide textbooks or digital learning tools at home.
“We understand that knowledge is what unites or equalizes everything. If you come from a poor family or a wealthy family, knowledge is what unites or equalizes everything,” said AMG Foundation Chairman, Andrew Gitau, underscoring the foundation’s belief in the power of education to uplift individuals and communities. The new Nanyuki library, along with the foundation’s other libraries in Kibera, Githumu, and Kagunduini in Murang’a County, is a clear reflection of this vision. Together, these libraries have provided over 10,000 free textbooks and learning spaces equipped with more than 36 computers and tablets, all connected to the internet.
The Nanyuki library is not only an educational resource but also a symbol of hope for many families who struggle to keep up with the demands of the current educational system, particularly the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). With the changing syllabus, many parents face financial strain as they work to provide the necessary textbooks and materials for their children. AMG Foundation’s libraries supplement the government’s efforts by offering free access to these vital resources.
As AMG Foundation CEO, Martin Githinji, highlighted, the library is not just a physical space but a place where dreams can be nurtured and futures can be shaped. “This library, like the others, is not just an AMG Foundation achievement. It is a space of learning. It is a place of dreaming. It is a place of growing. A foundation for building a brighter future,” Githinji said.
The impact of these libraries extends far beyond the immediate vicinity. The libraries in Githumu and Kagunduini, for example, serve an average of 500 students each month, with attendance continuing to grow as more students discover the benefits of these facilities. The libraries are not only meeting the academic needs of students but are also helping to foster a culture of lifelong learning.
Laikipia County Governor, Joseph Irungu, expressed his gratitude, noting that access to books and educational services has long been a challenge for students in the area. “When we see AMG Foundation put up a building like this, a library service, with books of all kinds even of the curriculum of the time, the CBC, we are very grateful,” he said.
AMG Foundation’s work in Nanyuki is a significant milestone in its journey toward supporting education in Kenya. The Nanyuki library is a powerful reminder of the difference that can be made when communities come together to invest in education. It is a place of opportunity, where individuals, regardless of their background, can access the knowledge and resources they need to build a better future.
