The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) has launched its first virtual library, VTabu. This library contains over 200,000 digitized books, periodicals, research papers, and government publications.
You can access and read eBooks on the web using any internet-enabled device, preferably a laptop or a large tablet.
The virtual library seeks to promote a reading culture and enhance skills in various fields, anytime and anywhere.
Emphasising the role of technology and innovation, KNLS has also opened a two-tier data center. State agencies and public institutions can lease cloud storage services from this facility.
Also, a digitization hub allows Kenyans to upload books, newspapers, photographs, and records. These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness and foster economic growth.
The virtual library, aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), supports young learners as well. It helps them identify and nurture their talents for future career opportunities.
The Talanta Hela initiative aids in monetizing literary works. Ministries, departments, and agencies are encouraged to collaborate with KNLS to promote knowledge sharing across educational institutions.
VTabu includes a variety of resources, accessible for free, particularly for children. It encompasses educational materials for Pre-School, Primary, Junior and High School, tertiary, and university levels.
The library offers both fiction and non-fiction works. You will find journals, children’s storybooks, cartoons, and resources on diverse subjects like wildlife, tourism, culture, science, and information technology.
Membership to VTabu incurs a nominal fee:
- Daily access costs KES 20
- Weekly: KES 100
- Monthly: KES 500
- Bi-annual: KES 1,500 and
- Annual membership is KES 2,500.
These fees are payable via wireless payment platforms via eCitizen, making it convenient for everyone.
President William Ruto announced July 12 as the national reading day. On this day, Kenyans are encouraged to engage in reading and self-education. This is a welcomed move as reading plays an important role in personal and national development.
The KNLS CEO, Charles Nzivo, encourages state agencies and organizations to use KNLS facilities for cloud storage services. The Digitisation Hub offers services for digitizing vital documents, pictures, and maps.
KNLS also provides digital skills training, such as coding, digital marketing, graphic design, and ICT skills. These trainings enable youths to venture into digital jobs available online.
Key features of VTabu:
- Digitized books: Over 200,000 digitized books, periodicals, research papers, and government publications.
- Free access: Specific children’s content and general e-books are free.
- Wide range of subjects: From Pre-School to university level, encompassing CBC materials.
- Digital platform: Accessible on any internet-enabled device.
- Offline reading: Downloadable e-books for offline use.
- Nominal fees: Affordable membership options through wireless payment platforms.
Cloud storage and digitization:
- Two-tier data center: Leased cloud storage services for state agencies and public institutions.
- Digitization hub: Services for uploading and digitizing books, newspapers, photographs, and records.
Support for young learners:
- Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC): Resources to identify and nurture young talents.
- Talanta Hela initiative: Platforms to monetize literary works and promote creativity.
Through VTabu and its related services, KNLS aims to bolster Kenya’s educational infrastructure.
It seeks to improve access to information, foster knowledge sharing, and enhance digital literacy among its citizens.
This virtual library and its associated initiatives represent a significant step towards integrating technology and education. They contribute to national growth and development.
