Kabarak University is hosting the Kenya University Librarians Committee (KULC) Consultative Engagement, bringing together Heads of University Libraries from across Kenya for a transformative two-day meeting on 16–17 September 2026 at the Main Campus. While KULC has served as a foundational pillar for academic libraries since its inception in 1986, this gathering marks a historic milestone in its complete revitalisation.
The momentum for this transformation began on 19 July 2026, during a Commission for University Education (CUE) sensitization meeting at the Kenya School of Government in Embu focused on implementing Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). There, library leaders elected a new Executive Committee to steer the consortium into a new era: Prof. Joseph Kavulya (Chuka University, Chairperson), Dr. James Njue (University of Embu, Vice Chairperson), Ms. Patricia Chebet (Kabarak University, Secretary), Mr. Paul Maina (Zetech University, Vice Secretary), and Dr. Festus Ng’etich (JOOUST, Member).
The consultative engagement was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon by Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, PhD, MBS, OGW, who warmly welcomed the delegates. The engagement focuses on operationalizing the revitalized KULC, including the review and adoption of a new KULC Constitution, operational policies, an annual calendar of events, and stronger benchmarking frameworks.
In his remarks, Prof. Kiplangat highlighted the evolving role of university libraries in supporting digital scholarship, open access, research data management, and emerging technologies. Emphasizing the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence in higher education, he called for its responsible and ethical implementation. Putting these words into immediate practice, workshop sessions led by Dr. Festus Ng’etich are equipping delegates with a standardized AI Policy Template alongside collaborative sessions on AI best practices.
Additionally, the engagement directly addresses the alignment of library resources with national curriculum shifts. Session highlights include critical feedback from CUE's William Mwangi and a strategic framework presented by Dr. James Njue detailing library readiness for Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and CBET guidelines.
Prof. Kiplangat encouraged the consortium to build practical, sustainable mechanisms for knowledge sharing, joint resource mobilization, and collective advocacy. The event will conclude with an exclusive tour of the Kabarak University Library. Kabarak University is honoured to host this pivotal gathering and looks forward to the lasting impacts of these deliberations across Kenya's higher education sector.
