List of libraries in Kenya

Libraries in Kenya


Libraries in Kenya can be categorized in the following categories:

National and Public Libraries

The National Library and the Public Libraries are both the functions of Kenya National Library Service[1] which is mandated by the law under Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya, April 1965. Currently there is one National Library which is located at Community-Upper Hill, Nairobi. On the other hand, there are 60 public libraries spread in different parts of the country.[2] In addition, some of the county government have libraries under them which are either operational or Non Operational. Nairobi county has four libraries located at Kayole, Makadara, Dagoretti and McMillan Memorial Library at the Nairobi Central Business District (the oldest library in Nairobi).

Kenya National Library Service on the other hand has a total of 60 branches spread in different parts of the country. The libraries offer varied services depending on location and mode of establishment.

Branches within Kenya National Library Service Network

No. County No. of Libraries Area Situated
1 Baringo 2 Kabarnet, Meisori
2 Bomet 1 Silibwet
3 Bungoma 1 Kimilili
4 Busia None –
5 Elgeyo/Marakwet 1 Lagam
6 Embu 1 Embu
7 Garissa 3 Garissa, Mbalambala, Masalani
8 Homa Bay None -
9 Isiolo 1 Isiolo
10 Kajiado None -
11 Kakamega 2 Kakamega, Lusumu
12 Kericho 1 Kericho
13 Kiambu 1 Thika
14 Kilifi 3 Kilifi, Dzitsoni, Malindi
15 Kirinyaga None -
16 Kisii 1 Kisii
17 Kisumu 2 Kisumu, Koru (Dr. Robert Ouko Memorial Library)
18 Kitui 1 Mwingi
19 Kwale 1 Kwale (Ukunda)
20 Laikipia 2 Nanyuki, Rumuruti
21 Lamu None -
22 Machakos None -
23 Makueni 3 Mutyambua, Kinyambu, Kithasyu
24 Mandera 1 Mandera
25 Marsabit 1 Moyale
26 Meru 3 Meru, Mikumbune, Timau
27 Migori 1 Awendo
28 Mombasa 1 Mombasa
29 Murang'a 2 Murang'a, Kangema
30 Nairobi 3 Nairobi Area, Buruburu, Kibera
31 Nakuru 3 Nakuru, Naivasha, Gilgil
32 Nandi 1 Kapsabet
33 Narok 2 Narok, Lelechonik
34 Nyamira None –
35 Nyandarua 1 Ol Kalou
36 Nyeri 4 Nyeri, Munyu, Chinga, Karatina
37 Samburu None -
38 Siaya 3 Nyilima, Rambula, Ukwala
39 Taita Taveta 2 Wundanyi, Werugha (Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library)
40 Tana River None –
41 Tharaka Nithi None -
42 Trans Nzoia None -
43 Turkana None –
44 Uasin Gishu 1 Eldoret
45 Vihiga None -
46 Wajir 5 Wajir, Griftu, Habasweni, Tarbaj, Bute
47 West Pokot None -
TOTAL 61

Community Libraries

Community libraries have been established through the support of donors, individuals and institutions within the country as a way of empowering disadvantaged communities, promoting increased literacy levels and as a way of promoting a reading culture within the country. Some of these libraries are:

Academic Libraries

Under this category are the libraries found in public academic institutions like the public universities, colleges, polytechnics and academies. These libraries mostly contain academic books and information resources relating to the subjects of concentration by those institutions. The leading academic Library in Kenya is under the University of Nairobi, the first university to be established in Kenya in 1956 as the Royal Technical College.

References

  1. ↑ National Library Service of Kenya
  2. ↑ National Library Service of Kenya
  3. ↑ http://mariaslibraries.org/
  4. ↑ http://www.akilitrust.org/akili-community-libraries/akili-community-libraries.html
  5. ↑ https://www.children.org/Children-International-Launches-Its-First-Container-Library-in-Kenya
  6. ↑ http://www.serveavillage.org/node/62
  7. ↑ http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/help-bridge-the-technology-gap-in-rural-kenya/
  8. ↑ http://www.americashare.org/harambee-centre-library-and-resource-centre/

External links

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