Even though leisure reading is improving within the country, the reading culture in rural Kenya has yet to catch up. Kenya's rich literacy levels risk eroding because of the grassroots' poor reading culture.
Several factors are at play here that contribute to the poor reading culture in rural Kenya. Let us delve deeper to find out more:
Wrong perception of reading
In most parts of rural Kenya, reading is relegated to happening only when necessary. In most cases, reading is only associated with academics or schoolwork for students. This perception does not improve, especially if it’s for fun and recreation. As such, the wrong perception of reading has contributed to the reading culture in rural Kenya.
High cost of reading materials
High cost is another factor attributed to poor reading culture in rural Kenya. Education costs make it hard for parents to go beyond school textbooks. On the other hand, students do not utilize their allowances to buy books, which explains the dwindling reading culture in rural Kenya.
However, book donations to rural schools are changing the fortunes and enhancing the reading culture in rural Kenya. HalfPriced Books is always at the forefront of donating thousands of books to schools and libraries in rural areas to improve the reading culture. More importantly, Halprice Books sells reading materials in all categories at half the original price aiming to alleviate the impediment of the high cost of books.
Inadequate libraries in rural areas
Libraries are a great asset in enhancing the reading culture in rural Kenya. However, there is a big gap existing in marginalized areas. Even as they provide quiet reading spaces, libraries also serve as recreation centers for the creative development of young adults. The government needs to channel adequate funding to establish libraries in rural areas and inspire reading amongst the youth.
Poverty
Poverty negatively impacts the reading culture in rural Kenya. Fangs of poverty affect 80% of Africa’s population. In Kenya alone, the per capita income of an average citizen falls below one dollar, affecting their reading habits and relegating it to the peripheries. With poverty at the core, priorities must realign, and those who manage to send their children to school lack money to buy more books and pay for school fees, and the culmination is the poor reading culture in rural Kenya.
Lack of interest
Reading for leisure is not for everyone, and this is more evident in rural settings. People in rural areas rarely read or are not interested in it. Most are busy looking for other money-generating ventures and have no time for a book or two.