Text Book Centre (TBC), East and Central Africa’s leading educational, cultural, and technological content and products distributor, has today unveiled its flagship anniversary campaign: 60 Schools in 60 Days, a transformative initiative aimed at narrowing Kenya’s educational resource gap. This milestone project marks 60 years of TBC’s unwavering dedication to advancing learning and literacy in Kenya.
Founded in 1964, just a year after Kenya’s independence, Text Book Centre has grown from humble roots in Murang’a and Karatina into a national retail icon, now with 14 branches and a thriving e-commerce platform that serves customers beyond borders. Today’s announcement builds on that legacy, reflecting TBC’s ongoing mission to bridge the gap between learning providers and seekers.
“As we celebrate six decades of service, we are reminded that education is the foundation of an inclusive, prosperous society. Yet millions of Kenyan children still lack access to the tools they need to thrive. Our 60 Schools in 60 Days campaign is our way of sharing our legacy and reaffirming our commitment to educational equity,” said Sachin Varma, CEO of Text Book Centre.
Despite significant progress, Kenya’s education sector continues to face major challenges. In the 2023/24 financial year, the Kenyan government allocated Ksh 666.08 billion (approximately $4.76 billion) to education, the largest share across ministries, representing 31.2% of total government spending on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Yet, UNESCO estimates that over 1.8 million school-aged children in Kenya lack access to essential learning materials. In many under-resourced schools, the student-to-textbook ratio remains as high as 5:1, severely limiting learning outcomes.
The 60 Schools in 60 Days campaign will see Text Book Centre donate over 3,000 books, reaching an estimated 30,000 learners in underprivileged communities across Kenya. In addition, the company is contributing over Ksh. 1 million worth of art supplies, stationery, and learning tools to enrich classroom and extracurricular learning. These efforts are being delivered in close partnership with local foundations and schools, including the Desai Memorial Foundation, to ensure the materials are meaningfully integrated into learning activities.
“Our operational plan rests on three pillars: distribution, engagement, and sustainability,” explained Chetan Rughani, COO of TBC. “We’ve mapped out schools most in need, partnered with educators to embed these resources into their teaching, and established feedback systems to track impact. This isn’t a one-off event. We’ve woven it into our long-term CSR vision.”
TBC invites partners, customers, and the wider community to join in this impactful mission. The public can purchase stationery donation bundles at TBC stores or via textbookcentre.com to support exam candidates in need. They can also donate learning resources, whether books, art materials, or stationery, or volunteer time to visit beneficiary schools.
“When businesses, communities, and individuals come together, we create a multiplier effect, one that builds a stronger foundation for our children’s futures,” said Varma. “Together, let’s ensure no child is left behind.”
