Social Justice and Socialism

Background

The need for such a library follows from the fact that progressive literature has been generally ignored by most libraries and learning institutions. Young people with passion to bring about fundamental change in the country and thirsty for materials that would inspire them in their quest for social justice get disappointed as such materials are hard to come by. Its focus seeks to contribute to awakening people who can then participate in the struggle for a better Kenya — a Kenya where socially created wealth benefits everyone, as opposed to the present situation in which a minority gobbles up disproportionate amounts of the nation’s wealth. The library places an emphasis on books covering history, resistance, and theoretical works on socialism and Marxism. These include works by Marx, Engels, Lenin, Rosa Luxemburg, Stalin, and Mao. Additional materials include experiences from Vietnam, China, Cuba and Albania. African topics are represented mainly by the writings of Kwame Nkrumah, Amilcar Cabral, Cheikh Anta Diop and Patrice Lumumba. Again, such materials are not common at most university libraries in Kenya. But the collection is only one part of Ukombozi Library’s work. The library provides materials and space for student study sessions and meetings in working class areas, where it holds forums, film screenings, and related events aimed at increasing awareness and raising consciousness of political, economic, and social issues. It works closely with social justice activists in educating, politicising, and organising communities. Presently, Ukombozi Library has become a hub and a meeting place for reading, sharing, discussing and reflecting on progressive books, publications, ideas, among other engagements by college students and social movements activists from the older and younger generation that are actively engaged in the struggles for social justice in Kenya and elsewhere in the region and globally. The Ukombozi Library has an initial collection of almost a thousand titles of progressive material, mostly books but also pamphlets, videos and photographs. It incorporates the December Twelve Movement’s underground library set up by Nazmi Durrani in the 1980s.  A majority of these are classics which are either out of print or cannot be found in the local bookshops.  Other material has been donated by Mau Mau Research Centre, Vita Books and many progressive individuals active in the information struggle in Kenya.  Ukombozi Library has incorporated the Community ReachOut initiative which breaks the colonial library mould and takes the library to various communities to enhance personal and national development. Its approach is to take relevant information to people where they are. Community groups, libraries and institutions are welcomed to be institutional members of the Ukombozi Library. The institution's members borrow up to 5 titles from the Ukombozi Library for a maximum of 2 months. The Library publishes a quarterly newsletter, Ukombozi Review  Ukombozi Review to encourage an exchange of ideas and experiences and to create reading and writing opportunities for working people. It also partner with Vita Books to publish The Kenya Socialist magazine   The magazine aims to encourage free flow of information, knowledge and discussion which can lead to a better understanding of socialism. Ukombozi Library activities cover those of a traditional library in terms of its book work. It also undertakes research on social, environmental and political topics relevant to people marginalised by the effects of capitalism. Its collection is different from a traditional public library. Its uniqueness is in its deep roots in community organisations, mostly linked to working people and those marginalised by the mainstream society, particularly women. At one level, the library links up with community organisations and political and social activists. It works with several progressive organisations to hold political and social meetings. Yet another aspect of the library’s work is its close partnership with Vita Books and Mau Mau Research Centre, which published progressive books. Ukombozi Library focuses on the needs of those whose needs have not been met by public services, and supports their struggles for equality, justice and rights. Thus, Ukombozi Library is not neutral in the ongoing class struggle. It has openly declared its commitment to the side of working people. It seeks to empower working people with a socialist world outlook, to liberate minds from the capitalist and imperialist stranglehold as the necessary requirement. Its strength lies in the strong support it receives from the communities it serves. Presently, the library is working in partnership with the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung through the project “Empowering Citizens in Kenya through Socialist Knowledge and Perspectives.” It also conducts online Marxism courses designed for social justice activists, community leaders, and other interested individuals. Currently, it is offering Introduction to Marxist Economics: A Kenyan Perspective. These courses aim to awaken and ideologically ground Kenyans, strengthening their capacity to think critically and advocate for a more just society. Ukombozi Library has been described as Kenya’s first socialist library. It is one of very few (and perhaps only) sources of Marxist and socialist literature in Kenya. It is a unique and deeply worthwhile endeavour, contributing to the revival of socialist thinking and action in Africa following decades of repression and neoliberal political hegemony. Membership is open to all who agree with the vision and principles of PALIAct, irrespective of class, ethnicity, religion, gender, region, race or disability.  Individuals or institutional membership is available on payment of appropriate fees I.e.  Ksh. 1,000 registration fee and refundable security deposit of Ksh. 2,000. Members are free to borrow books. Mission: To provide access to relevant and progressive information and knowledge that empowers working people in their struggle for social, political and economic freedom. Vision: A conscious and empowered society in which working people, guided by the values of socialism and social justice, and collective solidarity, use knowledge as a tool for liberation.

Learn more