Eldoret: The United States Embassy, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched the first-ever American Spaces Bus in Kenya to offer users, especially the youth, opportunities to build skills, access opportunities, and shape their futures. The American Spaces Bus brings U.S. programs directly to towns, campuses, and counties across Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch took place during a youth event hosted by City Lighters Church in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The Acting U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Carla Benini, highlighted the program's significance in empowering the youth by providing access to U.S.-funded events for students aspiring to pursue higher education in America. The initiative also includes workshops focusing on English, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, digital tools, and career guidance.
The Acting Director of the Kenya National Library Service, Ms. Betty Kalugho, accompanied the U.S. Ambassador during the launch. The American Spaces Bus serves as a platform for Kenyans to engage in talks with U.S. experts, civic discussions, and forums that facilitate networking and access to reliable U.S. resources, including books, internet databases, and fact-based information about the United States.
Ambassador Benini described the American Spaces Bus as "tech on wheels," emphasizing its role in reaching a broader Kenyan audience beyond the Embassy in Nairobi. "Everything is free, we have books, a library with both Kenyan and U.S. materials, laptops, Starlink-supported internet, and 3D printers. This is a great opportunity to support Kenyan youth innovators and social media influencers in building connections between Kenya and America," she explained.
The Ambassador further stated that the mission aims to support the dreams of Kenyan youth in technology, social media, and other innovative fields. The American Spaces Bus is equipped with free Starlink Wi-Fi, American laptops, a 3D printer, digital maker tools, U.S. books, speakers, and learning materials from the United States. Additionally, it features a podcast and video studio for content creation and storytelling.
Youth are encouraged to stay connected by following the U.S. Embassy on social media for updates on programs, events, and American Spaces outreach across Kenya through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.