The blind to access Internet on special public library computers

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is equipping public libraries with computers that will allow visually impaired Kenyans to access the Internet.

In a tender notice last week, the Authority called on suppliers to provide software that makes computers accessible for the visually impaired.

Each public library in Kenya will have two machines with screen magnifiers and screen reading software.
This is part of ongoing government efforts to digitise libraries across the country. The CA is building computer labs for each of Kenya’s libraries.

“The Communication Authority of Kenya through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kenya National Library Services has committed to support establishment of e-resource centres in all public libraries,” said the Authority in a statement.

PROGRESS

A pilot of the project was carried out in 10 libraries and 46 more are being covered in the second phase of the project. Each of the libraries will receive 10 computers and Internet connection.

Kenyans will also be issued with new smart library cards as the Authority plans to deliver and install new ID card printers to all the libraries in the country.

While indicative of progress in the provision of library access, these efforts barely scratch the surface. It is estimated that 224, 000 Kenyans are blind while another 750,000 are visually impaired.

There is a danger that many of these people are being left behind in Kenya’s technological journey. Screen reading software can sometimes go for as much as Sh110,916 ($1,095). While there are open-source alternatives, they are not nearly quite as good as the commercial products.

But even beyond specialised services for the disabled, Kenya’s library system is lagging behind international standards. While each county in the country has a library, the resources available at these libraries as well as the accessibility still leave much to be desired.

A study carried out in 2010 showed that many libraries barely had 2,000 books while others did not have collections that extended beyond print material.

During the holidays and teachers’ strikes, these libraries are usually full of school students fighting over space to study.

There are over 15 million school- children in Kenya yet this population is served by 56 public libraries— excluding those that are housed within educational institutions.