JKUAT to Adopt Digital Repository in Library Services - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*A USIU staff member demonstrates the use of disability-smart gadgets during JKUAT’s visit to the institution’s Inclusion Center.*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is in the process of converting its current library into a fully digital facility as part of efforts to enhance access to academic resources and align with modern research demands.

To support the transition, a delegation from the university visited United States International University-Africa (USIU) on Thursday, July 24, 2025, for a benchmarking exercise focused on digital library infrastructure, policy formulation, implementation strategies, and staff training.

The team was led by the Principal of the College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS), Prof. George Thiong’o, accompanied by the University Librarian, Dr. Rose Mang’ira, and the Registrar, Academic Affairs, Dr. Aggrey Wanyama. Other members involved in the exercise were drawn from the Corporate Communications and Information and Communication Technology departments, both of which play a critical role in the transition process.

Prof. Thiong’o, thanked the USIU management for complementing the University’s exercise by supporting the benchmarking exercise.

*A round table discussion between JKUAT and USIU staff on the digitization dynamics*

He noted that the shift to a digital platform is a necessary step towards improving efficiency, expanding resource accessibility, and future-proofing the university’s knowledge systems.

JKUAT aims to adopt proven digital library models and integrate them into its systems to support teaching, learning, and research. The phased implementation will prioritize core content digitization, staff capacity building, and system integration.

Dr. Mangira affirmed the university’s commitment, stating that the digitization process will not only help the institution keep pace with world-class standards, but will also allow staff and students to access library services conveniently on their digital devices.

She further added that the Marrakesh Treaty, which Kenya signed in 2017, supports these digitization endeavors and enhances access to accessible-format materials.

Kenya ratified the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled on June 2, 2017, with it entering into force in Kenya on September 2, 2017.