Nairobi's new chapter: These women are restoring and reclaiming Kenya's dilapidated, colonial-era libraries

By Cai Pigliucci, CNN

Updated 0214 GMT (1014 HKT) November 30, 2021

Book Bunk was founded in 2017 to restore dilapidated libraries in Nairobi, Kenya. The Eastlands Library (pictured) is one of two libraries the team has transformed already, with a third in the works. "Libraries are one of the last kind of mutual spaces we have in any society," says Book Bunk co-founder Wanjiru Koinange.
Photos: Book Bunk is bringing these old Kenyan libraries back to life
Book Bunk was founded in 2017 to restore dilapidated libraries in Nairobi, Kenya. The Eastlands Library (pictured) is one of two libraries the team has transformed already, with a third in the works. "Libraries are one of the last kind of mutual spaces we have in any society," says Book Bunk co-founder Wanjiru Koinange.
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The Kaloleni Library, pictured here in 2018 before renovation, is one of the busiest in the city. Across all three libraries, about 300 people use the spaces to work or study every day. But with asbestos, old furniture and broken floorboards, the team at Book Bunk had their work cut out for them.
Photos: Book Bunk is bringing these old Kenyan libraries back to life
The Kaloleni Library, pictured here in 2018 before renovation, is one of the busiest in the city. Across all three libraries, about 300 people use the spaces to work or study every day. But with asbestos, old furniture and broken floorboards, the team at Book Bunk had their work cut out for them.
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Before Book Bunk restored the building, there was little running water and the bathrooms did not function at the Eastlands Library in Nairobi's Makadara neighborhood.
Photos: Book Bunk is bringing these old Kenyan libraries back to life
Before Book Bunk restored the building, there was little running water and the bathrooms did not function at the Eastlands Library in Nairobi's Makadara neighborhood.
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"It just looked like a really old forgotten place that had at one point in history received lots of love, but then it just kind of stopped," Koinange says.
Photos: Book Bunk is bringing these old Kenyan libraries back to life
"It just looked like a really old forgotten place that had at one point in history received lots of love, but then it just kind of stopped," Koinange says.
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Book Bunk set to work transforming the spaces. The group added reading nooks, new shelving and seating areas, including the ones seen here at Kaloleni, pictured in June 2020 before the books were returned to the shelves. "It's incredible what a bit of paint and some care will do for public spaces in this country," says Koinange.