Maarifa is a Kiswahili word meaning knowledge. The Maarifa centres play a catalytic role in offering appropriate information and as centres for local knowledge documentation.

A Maarifa Centre (CKC) is a centre equipped with appropriate ICT tools to enhance information generation, access, dissemination and skills development for the community. The CKCs have library materials such as books, newsletters, journals, research reports and electronically stored information that include CD ROMs, audio visual materials (DVDs and videos), compendiums and web based resources.

The Maarifa centres are established in partnership with key host organizations in the region. They are centrally located for ease of access by communities. There are continued community information needs assessments to ensure appropriate information resources are available.

The centres are established to meet the following objectives:
Firstly, to increase information and knowledge capacity of communities and enable them to turn past experiences into lessons.

Secondly, to enhance documentation of local content, share knowledge and offer training and discussion room for community workshops, exhibitions etc.

The centres offer linkage points with other organizations and serve as referral points for communities, other interested stakeholders and radio etc. Communities, with the support of Community Information Volunteers, (CIVs) and Community Development Workers (CDWs) participate by documenting their knowledge. This information is sent to ALIN for wider sharing using multi-media channels like the openeNRICH software, the Baobab journal, website, community radio etc.