Switch On | Read On, a global literacy initiative driving innovative approaches to children’s reading, has officially launched in Kenya in partnership with Akili TV, introducing Read Along Hour, a new weekday television block designed to build children’s literacy skills and bring back the joy of stories.
Airing every weekday from 5 – 6 PM from Feb 23rd 2026, Read Along Hour transforms familiar screen time into an engaging, shared reading experience for children and their parents. By embedding Literacy Grade Subtitles into popular children’s programming, the initiative supports reading development while meeting families where they already are, at home and around the TV.
The Kenya launch is further strengthened through a partnership with renowned Kenyan celebrity couple and cultural icons, Nameless and Wahu, invested in their children’s education and development. Their participation reinforces the importance of making literacy accessible, relevant and engaging for both children and caregivers alike.
Nameless and Wahu say the initiative strongly aligns with their values and experience. Wahu says, “Reading is the foundation of how children learn, express themselves and understand the world. As parents, we’re constantly looking for ways to make learning feel natural and enjoyable at home. Read Along Hour does exactly that, turning everyday TV time into an opportunity for growth. When children see reading reflected in the content they love and parents feel empowered to be part of that journey, the impact is lasting.”
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Nameless adds, “As an artist and video editor, I have always been fascinated by subtitles. I have realised that many fans never fully caught our earlier lyrics simply because subtitles weren’t a thing added onto music videos years back. The reality is that reading through subtitles naturally builds literacy. That’s why partnering with Switch On | Read On matters to us as it speaks directly to Kenyan families and to our fans.”
Delivered in partnership with Akili TV, the Read Along Hour featuring cartoons embedded with Literacy Grade Subtitles will broadcast well-loved titles such as Supa Strikas, a series that feels close to home for many Kenyan families, alongside Wild Kratts, a fun, science adventure. Studies show that subtitles in children’s television significantly improve reading fluency, vocabulary, spelling and comprehension, especially when used regularly.
Each episode is supported by an L-Bar, displayed at the beginning and end of the show, highlighting the total number of words read, three tricky spellings and three advanced words. This feature is designed to spark short, meaningful conversations between children and caregivers, encouraging pronunciation practice, while unpacking the meanings together.
Henry Warren, Switch On | Read On Founder says, “Stories are powerful teachers. If you’re a parent who cares about your child’s literacy, this is one of the simplest things you can do, and it’s completely free. Just tune in at 5 PM.”
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“At Akili TV, we believe entertainment and education should go hand in hand,” said Jeff Schon, CEO and Co-founder of Akili TV. “If children are already watching, that time should give something back.”
By working closely with local cultural icons, broadcasters and educators, Switch On | Read On positions itself as a key driver of innovation in education. As digital screens increasingly dominate how children engage with stories, the initiative responds to a growing literacy challenge. According to a recent report study by Usawa Agenda, 50% of Grade 6 students in Kenya are unable to read a Grade 3-level English story, highlighting the urgent need for family friendly reading interventions.
Andrew Kay of World Literacy Foundation concludes, “Children are already watching TV after school. By integrating literacy infrastructure into screen time, Switch On | Read On is helping families support reading in ways that fit naturally into their daily routines.
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