Nairobi, Kenya, July 12, 2025 — Today, Worldreader, in collaboration with Safaricom and Pottermore Publishing, officially launches the Get Kenya Reading Initiative—a bold, five-year campaign to inspire one million families across Kenya to read together by 2030. The campaign kicks off at a special media launch event hosted at Hyatt Place Hotel in Nairobi and led by EXP Agency, under the leadership of Carol Abade, a recognized pioneer in experiential marketing and communications across Africa.
The event brings together Worldreader’s Board of Directors, a circle of literacy advocates, government officials, and strategic partners committed to building a strong reading culture in Kenya.
At the heart of this nationwide initiative is BookSmart, Worldreader’s award-winning, free digital reading app. BookSmart provides families with access to over 2,700 quality books, learning activities in English and Swahili, and parent tips that support brain development and early learning. Designed especially for children aged 0–5, the app also includes content for older siblings and a curated 365-day reading calendar that helps parents support their child’s development with just 10 minutes of reading a day—a proven foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning.
“When a parent reads aloud to their child, it stays with them for life and increases their potential for future success,” says Olivia Kimani, Worldreader Director of Partnerships and Services in Kenya. “This partnership represents the power of putting reading in the hands of all families so they can help fulfill their children’s greatest potential.”
“This is not a crisis of children’s motivation—it’s a crisis of access and routine,” said Rebecca Chandler Leege, CEO of Worldreader. “The earlier families begin reading with their children, the greater the lifelong impact. Through strong local partnerships and the power of digital tools like BookSmart, we’re helping families build joyful reading routines that unlock potential—at no cost to parents.”
Building Future‑Ready Readers
In a country where 80% of 10-year-olds cannot read and understand a simple story, and where most households have limited access to children’s books, Get Kenya Reading is a timely and transformative intervention. BookSmart is designed not only to boost literacy but also to support Kenya’s development by nurturing future-ready learners.
“Kilifi County is proud to participate in this national campaign,” said Hon. Flora Mbetsa Chibule, Deputy Governor of Kilifi County. “We are committed to ensuring every child can thrive through reading. By integrating BookSmart into our early childhood development programs, we are investing in a future where literacy is the foundation for family success, economic resilience, and community wellbeing.”
Worldreader’s Three-Part Approach
The initiative is grounded in Worldreader’s evidence-based literacy framework:
- Reading Routines – A 365-day calendar that supports daily storytime habit
- Reading Games – Interactive challenges that make reading engaging and fu
- Reading Circles – Community-led reading events that bring families together
BookSmart has already reached over 22 million readers in 110+ countries, supporting 440,000 families in 2024.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling the Vision
- Safaricom, East Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, is enabling infrastructure and nationwide reach to scale BookSmart access across Kenya
- Pottermore Publishing is bringing the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling to the BookSmart app for free. The campaign includes special incentives and reading challenges for older readers, culminating in a Harry Potter Tea Party to celebrate campaign Reading Champions.
“We are thrilled to join Worldreader in bringing the magic of Harry Potter to families across Kenya through the Get Kenya Reading initiative,” said Paula Scott, Acting Managing Director, Pottermore Publishing. “By making Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone accessible through BookSmart, we hope to ignite imaginations and inspire lifelong reading habits.”
A National Call to Read
With titles spanning topics like sports, science, and folktales—and local favorites from Longhorn Publishers, Storymoja, and Kenya Literature Bureau—BookSmart helps families discover stories that reflect their lives and dreams.
The Get Kenya Reading initiative calls on all parents, caregivers, and siblings to replace 10 minutes a day of social media scrolling with reading together. Because just 10 minutes a day can change a child’s future.
Download BookSmart for Free
Available in all major app stores or online: https://booksmart.world/free
Join the movement
#GetKenyaReading #BookSmart #10MinutesWithMyKid
Media Contact
Olivia Kimani
Kenya Director, Partnerships & Services
Worldreader
📞 +254 (0)711 582 205
📧 olivia@worldreader.org
About Worldreader
www.worldreader.org
Worldreader is an international nonprofit helping families read so they can reach their potential. Since 2010, it has supported 22+ million readers in 110 countries through digital solutions like BookSmart, offering quality books, learning tools, and evidence-based literacy programs.
About Safaricom
www.safaricom.co.ke
Kenya’s leading telecom provider, Safaricom connects people to opportunities through technology and supports national development through education and literacy initiatives.
About Pottermore Publishing
www.pottermorepublishing.com
Pottermore Publishing is the global digital audiobook and eBook publisher of J.K. Rowling’s multi-million bestselling Harry Potter series and associated titles. Working with a global network of retail and library partners, Pottermore Publishing prioritises accessibility, creativity, and innovation as it brings these beloved stories to life for each generation of readers and listeners to discover.
About EXP Agency
www.expagency.biz
EXP is Africa’s leading experiential marketing agency. With operations in over 16 countries, EXP delivers integrated brand experiences. Under Carol Abade’s leadership, the agency is managing the Get Kenya Reading media launch, amplifying the power of literacy through storytelling and community engagement.
