List of libraries in Kenya

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. 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 nonoperational. 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 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

48. Athi river|| Elimika resource center

No.CountyNo. of LibrariesArea Situated
1Baringo2Kabarnet, Meisori
2Bomet1Silibwet
3Bungoma1Kimilili
4BusiaNone–
5Elgeyo/Marakwet1Lagam
6Embu1Embu
7Garissa3Garissa, Mbalambala, Masalani
8Homa BayNone-
9Isiolo1Isiolo
10KajiadoNone-
11Kakamega2Kakamega, Lusumu
12Kericho1Kericho
13Kiambu1Thika
14Kilifi3Kilifi, Dzitsoni, Malindi
15KirinyagaNone-
16Kisii1Kisii
17Kisumu2Kisumu, Koru (Dr. Robert Ouko Memorial Library)
18Kitui1Mwingi
19Kwale1Kwale (Ukunda)
20Laikipia2Nanyuki, Rumuruti
21LamuNone-
22MachakosNone-
23Makueni3Mutyambua, Kinyambu, Kithasyu
24Mandera1Mandera
25Marsabit1Moyale
26Meru3Meru, Mikumbune, Timau, Gatimbi
27Migori1Awendo
28Mombasa1Mombasa
29Murang'a2Murang'a, Kangema
30Nairobi3Nairobi Area, Buruburu, Kibera
31Nakuru3Nakuru, Naivasha, Gilgil
32Nandi1Kapsabet
33Narok2Narok, Lelechonik
34NyamiraNone–
35Nyandarua1Ol Kalou
36Nyeri4Nyeri, Munyu, Chinga, Karatina
37SamburuNone-
38Siaya3Nyilima, Rambula, Ukwala
39Taita Taveta2Wundanyi, Werugha (Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library)
40Tana RiverNone–
41Tharaka NithiNone-
42Trans NzoiaNone-
43TurkanaNone–
44Uasin Gishu1Eldoret
45VihigaNone-
46Wajir5Wajir, Griftu, Habasweni, Tarbaj, Bute
47West PokotNone-
TOTAL62

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:

  • Mathare Youth Sports Association Libraries (located in slums) - has two branches
  • Busia Community Library[3]
  • Akili Community Libraries[4]
  • Container Libraries in Kenya[5]
  • Sidarec Community Library
  • Kigima Resource Centre[6]
  • Elangata Wuas Resource Centre
  • Karen Roses Joint Body Resource Centre
  • Micato-Amshare Library and Resource Centre (located in Mukuru slums) - offers free services to the community[7]

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.

See also

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.americashare.org/harambee-centre-library-and-resource-centre/
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