NAIROBI, Kenya, July 2 — Text Book Centre (TBC) has launched a nationwide education campaign dubbed “60 Schools in 60 Days”, aimed at supporting under-resourced schools with books and learning materials as part of its 60th anniversary.
The initiative will benefit 60 schools across the country, with the company set to donate over 3,000 books and learning tools to reach an estimated 30,000 learners. The campaign also includes the donation of art supplies, stationery, and other educational resources valued at over Ksh1 million.
TBC, founded in 1964, has grown from a small bookseller to a major retailer of educational and cultural materials in East and Central Africa. The campaign marks six decades since its founding and is part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts focused on literacy and access to education.
“Millions of Kenyan children still lack access to the resources needed for effective learning,” said TBC CEO Sachin Varma. “This campaign is about addressing that gap and reinforcing our long-term commitment to equitable education.”
According to UNESCO, over 1.8 million school-aged children in Kenya lack access to basic learning materials. In many schools, the student-to-textbook ratio remains as high as 5:1. Although the Kenyan government allocated Ksh666.08 billion to the education sector in the 2023/24 financial year—accounting for 31.2% of total ministerial spending—access to quality learning tools remains a significant challenge, particularly in remote and low-income areas.
The campaign is being implemented in partnership with local schools and organizations, including the Desai Memorial Foundation, with a focus on distribution, engagement, and sustainability.
“We’ve identified schools most in need, are working directly with teachers to integrate the materials into lessons, and have established feedback systems to track outcomes,” said TBC Chief Operating Officer Chetan Rughani.
Members of the public can support the initiative by donating learning materials or purchasing stationery bundles at TBC stores or through its website. Volunteers are also encouraged to participate in school visits and community engagement activities.
