A drastic measure taken to encourage reading and boost literacy in Kenya

 There has been a campaign to scrap VAT on books to reduce prices to encourage reading and to boost literacy. Majority of Kenyans read books on purpose, mainly to pass exams. The 8-4-4 system inculcated the culture of reading to pass exams.

Some critics have blamed our education system, which does not instill in students an appreciation of reading to gain knowledge. Others have accused parents and teachers of placing excessive emphasis on academic achievement which influence them even as adults. We have scholars, politicians, preachers, doctors among others who have acquired immense knowledge which they can explicitly share through writing a book.

However, since Kenyans are enterprising, they need the motivation, and this can be through buying their books. When one writes a book and makes good sales, that author is motivated to write another one.

Reading should be considered an enjoyable culture to stretch people’s imagination beyond the daily realities they face, and experience others through expanding intellectual and mental abilities. Local authors should be creative and offer competitive affordable prices. The new education system may enhance reading culture since it’s not entirely exam oriented.