Kenyan Ambassador Keynotes BFA’s 2025 Spring Fundraiser, “Helping Brighter Futures Bloom”

Books For Africa friends, sponsors, supporters and partners came together once again for BFA’s 2025 spring fundraiser, “Helping Brighter Futures Bloom.” 

The fundraiser was a resounding success, raising over $240,000 in cash, sponsorships and pledges.  In addition to sponsorship courtesy of Thomson Reuters, major partners such as the Stillman Family Foundation, Dan and Linda Melin, and Frank Babka, offered container match sponsorships which will leverage upcoming shipments to Kenya and Sierra Leone. Books For Africa will also be partnering with Little Free Library to ship a container of books to the Kenya National Library Service in honor of Ambassador Kerich, with a Thomson Reuters Law Library going to the Kenya School of Law, the Ambassador’s alma mater.

The event was an occasion to recognize BFA’s work in Kenya, as it was keynoted by H.E. David Kerich, Ambassador of Kenya to the U.S. Also on the speaking roster were BFA Board Member Lillian Otieno and Container Captain Mutune Mutisya, both members of the Kenyan diaspora in the Twin Cities. Kenya is one of BFA’s most-served countries, with 7 million books sent to Kenya since BFA started in 1988.

Distinguished Guests, 
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted and honored to join you this morning. I want to extend my appreciation to all of you here for finding time to be part of this fundraiser themed; “Helping Brighter Futures Bloom” which is a reflection of what Books for Africa has stood for since its establishment in 1988. The organization’s enduring legacy and its unwavering commitment to enhance livelihoods through education and literacy has made it a true beacon of hope across the African continent. This has been demonstrated through the shipment of more than 63 million books to every African country including more than seven million to Kenya alone. Clearly, Books for Africa has not only donated books and educational materials but has shaped the future of young minds. 

You may be aware, that research conducted by UNESCO and other major organizations have consistently demonstrated that access to books in the home leads to enhanced development, stronger literacy skills and promotes success. Consequently, Books for Africa has consistently made sure that the donated materials are timely and pertinent to the actual needs of the varied learner age groups, empowering the next generation of African learners.
I appreciate the leadership of Books for Africa for their vision and passion in shaping the education and the lives of Africans not only through books but additional educational tools, including school supplies, maps, refurbished computers, solar lights, and special collections such as Agriculture Libraries and Girls Empowerment Collections.

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya I am proud and pleased to inform that Kenya has been a major beneficiary of the books donated by Books for Africa, standing as the fifth largest recipient country in Africa. This month marked a significant milestone as six containers are currently en route to Kenya, while the seventh container is about to be shipped.
This achievement was made possible by the partnership and shared vision between Books For Africa and Minnesota Kenyan International Development Association.
I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the longstanding Kenyan volunteers, partners and donors of Books for Africa, including Libraries For Kids, Giving Hands and Maktabas who are represented here today for rallying around a common cause, for the unwavering support and commitment to ensuring that no child or professional across the country is left behind. It certainly could not be achieved in isolation.

I am honored and grateful to accept your generous donation of a dedicated container of 22,000 books for Kenya. We will ensure that the books and educational materials get to the learners and communities that need them the most. I encourage you to keep going on this noble work. Let us continue this journey together.

Thank you!
Asanteni sana!

Board member Steve Zweber, from presenting sponsor Thomson Reuters, introduced the keynote speaker in the morning, with John Elstad delivering the introduction at lunch. Also at lunch, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stopped by. Ellison is a long-time supporter of BFA’s work, and spoke to the importance of supporting education. Board President Tammie Follett, Executive Director Patrick Plonski, and BFA Founder Tom Warth rounded out the speakers. Another major partner in Kenya, Libraries for Kids, was in attendance and excited to work with BFA to ship more books to Kenya.

As the Ambassador said in his keynote speech: "Books for Africa has not only donated books and educational materials but has shaped the future of young minds." 

The Ambassador’s visit was also the occasion for a Kilimanjaro Society Reception at the home of BFA Board Member Cass Stillman. The Stillman Family Foundation has sponsored a number of shipments to WE Kenya in support of literacy there. Members of BFA’s Kilimanjaro Society, an exclusive group of supporters who donate $1,000 or more each year, were able to chat more closely with the Ambassador and enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful spring weather and some Kenyan catering!

Before returning to Washington, the Ambassador also joined Books For Africa and Little Free Library for a briefing to discuss the upcoming shipment of books to the Kenyan National Library Service. It was a great chance to spread the word about this massive donation!

You can see more photos of the event on BFA’s Flickr album. 

Read the press release here.

Read the press article by Mshale here.