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US Embassy unveils American Corner Mtaani for young innovators

Whitman said initiative will support Kenya’s youth in bringing their innovation to life.

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by SHARON MWENDE

Realtime04 November 2024 - 12:08
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In Summary


  • The initiative is the sixth addition to the growing network of American Corners in Kenya, joining established locations in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Lamu.
  • The Embassy said the American Corner Mtaani will serve as a hub dedicated to fostering a community of innovation and promoting collaboration, particularly among diverse young Kenyan entrepreneurs and start-ups.

US Ambassador Meg Whitman

The US Embassy has launched the American Corner Mtaani at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS).

The initiative is the sixth addition to the growing network of American Corners in Kenya, joining established locations in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Lamu.

The Embassy said the American Corner Mtaani will serve as a hub dedicated to fostering a community of innovation and promoting collaboration, particularly among diverse young Kenyan entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Ambassador Meg Whitman, who spoke at the event’s launch party, said the expanded network of American Corners follows through on a commitment to enhance people-to-people partnerships made when the White House hosted Kenya in May for a State Visit.

“American Corner Mtaani is here to support Kenya’s young people in bringing their innovation to life,” Whitman said.

 “Let’s 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.”

The Embassy’s regional public engagement specialist Shakaria Buckson who oversees American Corners across East Africa the facility serves individuals from all backgrounds.

“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,” Buckson said.

 “I believe that many of my country’s greatest innovators, artists, and change-makers were shaped not by elite institutions but by having opportunities at the grassroots level to experiment and learn. American Corner Mtaani is designed for Kenyans who carry this same vision.”

The American Corner will provide the local community with access to a wealth of U.S. resources, including digital databases, speakers, and educational materials.

 It will host special programs focusing on 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 Charles Nvizo, CEO of KNLS.

American Centre Mtaani is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and closed during Kenyan holidays.

The American Corner Mtaani offers the following:

• Cultural programs: Topics will include entrepreneurship, health, and education, led by American and Kenyan experts.

• Makerlab experience: Explore a wide range of technology to bring ideas to life.

• eLibraryUSA: A digital collection of trusted resources giving access to real-time publications including top newspapers, magazines, journals and dissertations.

• Free Internet Access

• Kanopy Films: Access to hundreds of documentaries on a variety of genres.

• Information on US colleges and universities: Comprehensive information on US higher education.

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