- Kenya’s Education Attaché in China Albert Ombiro has backed plans to expand virtual library services.
- He says the initiative could help rural learners access books, research materials and digital learning resources.
- Ombiro also urged young people to embrace artificial intelligence skills and technology-based employment opportunities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has been lauded for the proposal to provide virtual library services to benefit secondary and primary schools, especially those in rural areas.
Kenya’s Education Attaché in China, Albert Ombiro, was speaking in reference to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s speech when he said plans by the Open University of Kenya, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, were at an advanced stage to develop the programme.
“I told the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University, Professor Elijah Omwenga, to facilitate the programme, which is very essential at this time,” said Ogamba during the recently concluded Gusii Education Stakeholders Convention.
Prof Elijah Omwenga is the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya, having been formally appointed to the position in April 2025.
Speaking at Nyangusu South, Ombiro asked the youth from Bomachoge to embrace Artificial Intelligence courses to enable them to work from home and anywhere in technology-based industries.
Ombiro, a former school principal, currently serves as Kenya’s Education Attaché in China.
He said the virtual libraries will enable learners from the region to research local matters affecting society and provide home-tailored solutions for them.
Virtual libraries for rural schools
Ombiro noted that the importance of virtual libraries is immense. They will bridge the gap between urban and rural schools where physical libraries are lacking, give learners access to thousands of books, journals and past papers at low cost, promote digital literacy and self-driven learning, allow teachers to update content easily, reduce the burden of buying expensive books, and prepare learners to compete globally in the digital economy while still solving local problems.
He said his group of Bomachoge Borabu elites is planning to provide cheaper Wi-Fi at centralised village points to enable residents to access the internet easily, but villagers lamented the lack of electricity connectivity.
They asked him to use his position in government to champion their grievances through the Education CS and present their concerns to President William Ruto for help.
In response to their grievances, he asked them to remain united because unity leads to peace and development.
Youth urged to embrace technology
He asked the youth to avoid intoxicants and other substance abuse but instead join groups and engage in community work that can help them build their lives.
Elders who spoke during the meeting welcomed his idea and asked the youth to use the opportunity presented by the ongoing Albert Ombiro Tournament to discover and exploit their talents in sports for future advancement.
They also lauded Kisii County Governor Simba Arati for launching the Kazi Mashinani programme, which they said went beyond cleaning towns by providing employment to many youths.
READ ALSO: Kenya freezes fresh primary teacher training intake as new diploma model takes shape
Kisii County officially launched the Kazi Mashinani initiative in 2026 as a grassroots employment programme, with the county saying it would create short-term work opportunities while supporting service delivery and urban cleanliness.
By Enock Okong’o
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