Worldreader in collaboration with Kilifi County has 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.
Through its digital reading platform, BookSmart , the organization says the challenge which kicked off during Mashujaa Day celebrations 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.
“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,” said Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule on behalf of the Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
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.
“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.”
The challenge will also feature recognition across age categories, ensuring inclusivity for early learners and older readers alike who will also access BookSmart which more than 2,700 books in English and Kiswahili.
The project also seeks to inculcate a reading culture of at least 10 minutes a day among young readers.
