WAJIR– In a landmark event for northeastern Kenya, Wajir County on Wednesday hosted the 2025 World Book Day celebrations, with First Lady Rukia Abdinasir presiding over the occasion. This marks the first time in over three decades that the global literary celebration spearheaded by UNESCO has been held in the region.
Held under the theme “Read Your Way,” the event brought together a vibrant gathering of students, educators, authors, and government officials to promote literacy and the joy of reading.
In her keynote address, First Lady Rukia Abdinasir passionately spoke about the transformative power of books in shaping minds and societies.
“Books are more than pages, they are vessels of knowledge, imagination, and identity,” she stated. “Let us encourage our children to read not as a chore, but as a way of life.”
Quoting from the Holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), H.E. Rukia reminded the audience that reading is both a spiritual and intellectual journey. “It is a divine commandment and a path to personal and national transformation,” she said, urging students to make reading a daily habit.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Wajir County First Lady Rukia Abdinasir on Wednesday presided over a special book donation ceremony supporting 18 nurseries, 18 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, and 8 Vocational Training Centers across the county.
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The event featured generous contributions from the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), which donated thousands of books to 18 nurseries, 18 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, and 8 Vocational Training Centers—supporting education from ECDE to VTCs.
The donations followed successful lobbying efforts by the First Lady, who reaffirmed her commitment to empowering Wajir’s children through education.
Cultural performances, student showcases, and interactive reading sessions highlighted the day’s activities, creating a festive atmosphere and reaffirming the county’s dedication to literacy.
“As we celebrate World Book Day, let us remember the stories that shaped us, and the readers we can become,” Rukia concluded. “To every student here: Read. Read. And read again.”
The celebrations not only marked a historic moment for Wajir County but also underscored the region’s growing role in fostering a national culture of reading and learning.
