Importance of Book Clubs in Kenya
Any nation that looks forward to developing must embrace literacy. The success of various aspects of our lives pegs on the literacy levels.
As such, the creation and enhancement of a reading culture becomes pivotal in nation-building efforts. More importantly, we must explore the importance of book clubs in Kenya and their role in nation-building.
This now begs the question, what is the importance of book clubs in Kenya? The reading culture in Kenya has taken root, and as the journey continues, it underscores the importance of establishing book clubs around the country, and this is why:
It enhances reading accountability
Book clubs commit bibliophiles to read the book, one cover to the other. For instance, some book clubs have a book of the week, or month, whereby they converge to read its contents. You can join a club to force yourself to commit if you have distractions when trying to read on your own.
Enhances continued love for literature
Book clubs in Kenya are essential in entrenching the love for literature. Joining a community of literature enthusiasts helps foster continued love for creative works in the country and from other global authors. Not only does it encourage people to continue reading, but it also paves the way for the younger generation to embrace a rewarding culture.
Book clubs in Kenya enhance a reading culture
In a country with the highest literacy levels in eastern Africa, book clubs in Kenya have helped spread the reading culture, especially amongst the young generation. The establishment of book clubs in Kenya by various bookstores and libraries has helped embrace literature among students. In Kenyan high schools, having set books is one such way of cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and the reading culture.
Book clubs create an inquisitive environment
The already-established book clubs in Kenya foster an environment where people can ask relevant questions and learn more from each other. In a school book club setting, students explore various aspects of literature, ask the teacher and peers questions, and obtain new information during the session.
As a result of all the above, book clubs in Kenya are the simplest and most pragmatic mechanisms of entrenching the reading culture in the country. Furthermore, book clubs are vital in promoting social cohesion on all fronts, even as the country looks forward to developing. The government departments and other relevant stakeholders must continue with the efforts of establishing more book clubs in Kenya and extend this phenomenon countrywide.