The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has officially announced the inauguration of American Corner Mtaani at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS).
This marks the sixth addition to the expanding network of American Corners in Kenya, complementing existing sites in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Lamu.
American Corner Mtaani is designed to be a center that encourages innovation and fosters collaboration, particularly among a diverse group of young Kenyan entrepreneurs and start-ups.
This initiative was made possible through a generous collaboration with the KNLS and a financial investment of $70,000 USD from the United States.
During the launch event, Ambassador Meg Whitman emphasized that the growth of the American Corners network reflects a commitment to strengthening people-to-people partnerships, a promise made during the State Visit of Kenya to the White House in May.
“American Corner Mtaani is here to support Kenya’s young people in bringing their innovation to life. Let us open the doors and enable the greatest minds to take the Silicon Savanah to the next level. This space is a greenhouse for creativity, learning, and dialogue,” Whitman said.
The facility caters to individuals from diverse backgrounds, stated Shakaria Buckson, the regional public engagement specialist for the embassy, who is responsible for overseeing American Corners throughout East Africa.
“We want to meet people where they are and enable them to access resources and training to move closer to their career goals and aspirations. I believe that many of my country’s greatest innovators, artists, and change-makers were shaped not by elite institutions but from having opportunities at the grassroots level to experiment and learn. American Corner Mtaani is designed for Kenyans who carry this same vision,” Buckson said.
The American Corner will offer the local community access to an extensive array of U.S. resources, encompassing digital databases, guest speakers, and educational materials.
It will also organize specialized programs that emphasize the creative economy, entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, and cultural exchanges.
“The foundation of this collaboration is the belief that everyone should have equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities. American Corner Mtaani is concrete proof of our nation’s dedication to supporting its citizens,” stated Dr. Charles Nvizo, CEO of KNLS.
American Center Mtaani operates from Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM, and remains closed on Kenyan public holidays.
The American Corner Mtaani provides cultural programs focusing on topics such as entrepreneurship, health, and education, facilitated by both American and Kenyan specialists.
Additionally, the center features a Makerlab experience that delves into various technologies to transform ideas into reality, as well as eLibraryUSA, a digital repository of reliable resources that offers access to real-time publications, including leading newspapers, magazines, journals, and dissertations.
Furthermore, it provides complimentary internet access, Kanopy Films, which grants access to a vast array of documentaries across multiple genres, and detailed information regarding U.S. colleges and universities, encompassing comprehensive insights into American higher education.
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