The United States Embassy in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), have launched the first ever American Spaces Bus in Kenya, in order to accord users especially the youth, an opportunity to build skills, access opportunity and shape their future.
The American Spaces Bus brings U.S. programs directly to towns, campuses, and counties across Kenya.
Speaking during the Launch which took place in a youth event by City Lighters Church in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, The Ag. US Ambassador to Kenya, Carla Benini, emphasized the importance of the programme to empower the youth by accessing U.S.-funded events for students eying American higher education, workshops in English, entrepreneurship, AI, digital tools, and career guidance.
She was accompanied by The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) Acting Director Ms. Betty Kalugho. The innovation also hosts events where Kenyans can connect through talks with U.S. experts, civic discussions, and forums that open doors and expand networks, trusted US resources including books, internet, databases, and current, fact-based information about the United States.
“They will be able to explore and learn about our Cultural Programs through Film screenings, exhibitions, performances, and conversations that highlight American life and values while at the same time learning about U.S. exchange programs and connect with alumni already making an impact,” she noted.
The chargé d'affaires described the American Spaces Bus as a ‘tech on wheels’, noting it is a key way to reach out to a broader Kenyan population, bearing in mind that the Embassy is in Nairobi and they need to reach out to all Kenyans.
“Everything is free, we have books, a library with both Kenya and US materials, laptops, Starlink supported internet, 3D printers. This is a great opportunity supporting Kenyan youth innovators and social media influencers to build those connections between Kenya and America making them even stronger,” explained the chargé d'affaires.
She noted that as they continue to attract youth to use the opportunity, the mission wants to support their dreams in terms of what they want to do in tech, social media and other opportunities for them to create their innovations.
The American Spaces Bus, powered by the U.S. Embassy and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), brings U.S. programs directly to towns, campuses, and counties across Kenya.
Onboarded in the bus include; Free Starlink Wi-Fi and American laptops, A 3D printer and digital maker tools, U.S. books, speakers, and learning materials from the United States, A podcast and video studio for content creation and storytelling.
