Nairobi, 21 January 2026 – The University of Nairobi, Department of Library and Information Services, hosted a delegation from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) for a benchmarking visit on library digitization and digital library services. The visit aimed at sharing experiences and best practices in the development and management of digital library systems. Activities included presentations on the digitization status of both institutions, discussions on digitization approaches and workflows, and a live showcase of the University of Nairobi Digital Repository.
Discussions focused on key thematic areas such as policies, metadata practices, copyright management, repository platforms, staff capacity development, funding sustainability, and user access and engagement. The delegation was led by the Rector of IAA, Prof. Eliamani Sedoyeka, together with senior academic and library staff. In his remarks, Prof. Sedoyeka underscored the role of universities in promoting regional integration, stating that:
“Institutions of higher learning such as universities should be at the forefront of driving East African Community integration initiatives rather than leaving them largely to politicians.”
During the visit, the two institutions proposed to strengthen collaboration through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at library level to support joint digitization activities, staff training, and technical exchange. The institutions also agreed to leverage East African Community (EAC) initiatives to promote regional knowledge sharing, including exploring the development of a Union Digital Repository for the East African Community.
The benchmarking visit marks an important step towards strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable digital library services in the East African region.