NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 21 – The County Government of Kilifi, in partnership with BookSmart powered by Worldreader, has launched the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Reading Challenge — a year-long program aimed at cultivating a daily reading culture among children and families.
The initiative, unveiled by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora M. Chibule on behalf of Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Dindiri Primary School Grounds, will run from October 20, 2025, to October 20, 2026.
The program encourages families to dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to reading using BookSmart — Worldreader’s free digital reading app offering more than 2,700 storybooks in English and Kiswahili for children aged 0–12.
“At Kilifi, we want to raise a generation of readers who will not only excel in school but also in life,” said Governor Mung’aro. “Reading is the key to opportunity, confidence, and success. This challenge gives our children the gift of stories and a brighter future.”
Worldreader’s Director of Partnerships, Olivia Kimani, said the challenge combines fun, competition, and learning to inspire children to read more, with digital leaderboards tracking progress and recognizing top performers.
“Through this partnership with Kilifi County, we’re making reading accessible, joyful, and part of everyday life. A reading Kilifi is a powerful Kilifi,” Kimani added.
Top readers will be crowned Reading Champions during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations, marking the culmination of the challenge.
