Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to promoting literacy as a constitutional right and a vital enabler of national development.

Speaking during the National Reading Day 2025 celebrations held at the Kenya National Library Service headquarters (Maktaba Kuu), CS Cheptumo described the occasion as more than a symbolic event, calling it a powerful reminder of the role reading plays in building an informed, inclusive, and culturally rich society.

“We are committed to promoting literacy as both a constitutional right and a developmental necessity. Article 43(1)(f) of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to education and, by extension, access to knowledge,” said the CS.

She highlighted ongoing efforts by the Kenya Kwanza administration to expand digital access to learning through innovations such as Vtabu, Kenya’s national virtual library, which is designed to reach children, women, and marginalized communities with educational resources.

In partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), she stated that her ministry is also investing in enhanced e-learning infrastructure and nationwide community outreach programmes to boost digital literacy and bridge educational gaps.

CS Cheptumo called on stakeholders across various sectors to support literacy development, promote cultural diversity, and champion lifelong learning as essential pillars of the country’s national vision and global commitments.