Children across Kilifi set to be crowned Reading Champions on Mashujaa Day 2026
Kilifi County, Kenya — October 21, 2025 – The County Government of Kilifi and BookSmart powered by Worldreader have launched the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Reading Challenge, a year-long initiative designed to inspire children and families across Kilifi to read every day and build lifelong literacy habits.
The challenge, officially unveiled by Deputy Governor of Kilifi County H.E. Flora M. Chibule on behalf of the governor H.E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro,during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Dindiri Primary School Grounds, will run from October 20, 2025, to October 20, 2026. The program will culminate with the crowning of Reading Champions during next year’s Mashujaa Day festivities — recognizing children who demonstrate dedication, curiosity, and a passion for reading.
Powered by BookSmart, Worldreader’s free family reading app, the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Challenge gives children access to over 2,700 culturally relevant storybooks in English and Kiswahili for ages 0–12. Families are encouraged to dedicate just 10 minutes a day to reading together — forming daily habits that improve language skills, boost imagination, and strengthen family bonds.
“As Kilifi, we want to raise a generation of readers who will not only excel in school but also in life,” said H.E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Governor of Kilifi County. “Reading is the key to opportunity, confidence, and success. By launching the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Challenge, we are empowering our children with the gift of stories and preparing them for a brighter future.”
“Every child deserves a fair chance to read, learn, and thrive,” said Olivia Kimani, Director partnerships at Worldreader. “The Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Challenge combines fun, competition, and learning to motivate children to read more. Through BookSmart, families can easily access thousands of stories that spark curiosity, build skills, and strengthen parent-child connections.”
Empowering Families Across Kilifi
Throughout the year, weekly leaderboards will showcase top readers, while social media campaigns and community outreach activities will keep families engaged. The challenge will also feature recognition across age categories — ensuring inclusivity for early learners and older readers alike.
What Makes Mashujaa Wa Kusoma Special
- Runs for a full year: October 2025 – October 2026
- Top readers crowned as Reading Champions on Mashujaa Day 2026
- Free access to BookSmart, with 2,700+ books in English and Kiswahili
- Open to all children aged 0–12 in Kilifi
- Focus on building sustainable daily 10-minute reading routines
- Digital leaderboards to track reading progress and celebrate achievements
“When families read together, children thrive,” said Olivia Kimani, Director of Partnerships & Services at Worldreader Kenya. “Through this partnership with the County Government of Kilifi, we’re making reading accessible, joyful, and part of everyday life. A reading Kilifi is a powerful Kilifi.”
About BookSmart & Worldreader
BookSmart is Worldreader’s flagship digital reading platform designed to help families read together anytime, anywhere. Since 2010, Worldreader has supported over 22 million readers across more than 110 countries, helping children reach their potential through the power of books.
In 2023, Worldreader received the US Library of Congress International Literacy Award for advancing global literacy.
Families can download BookSmart for free from major app stores or access it via https://booksmart.world/free.
