In a bold move to realign Kenya’s library systems with the demands of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Kenya Libraries and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) convened its Biennial Workshop from May 21st to 22nd, 2025, at the Dallas Premier Hotel in Kisii Town. The conference brought together leading voices in library and information services from across Kenya and beyond, including librarians, publishers, and educational stakeholders.


With a central theme focused on access to information and knowledge sharing, the event highlighted the critical role libraries play in shaping an education system that meets the evolving needs of the 21st century. A major talking point was how libraries must transform to effectively support CBC implementation.


“Libraries must re-engineer the spaces, library collection, services, and ICT infrastructure for successful implementation of CBC,” said Mr. Joel Nakitare, senior and passionate librarian at Rongo University, during his keynote address. Mr Nakitare emphasized that libraries need to shift from traditional setups to more dynamic and collaborative learning environments that mirror the goals of the CBC.
The CBC emphasizes practical skills, creativity, and learner-centered approaches, which require libraries to go beyond book lending and become interactive learning hubs. Speakers at the event noted that this transformation involves not only upgrading physical infrastructure but also building the digital competencies of library staff and users.


The workshop also served as a platform to exchange ideas on emerging trends in library services, digital access, and resource sharing among institutions. International guests shared best practices from other countries that have successfully aligned library services with progressive educational models.


KLISC, which has long championed open access and information equity, reaffirmed its commitment to working with institutions to build capacity and ensure libraries remain central to the education ecosystem in Kenya.
As the CBC continues to roll out nationally, the call from Kisii was clear: for Kenya to fully realize the benefits of its education reforms, its libraries must be ready to evolve.