List of libraries in Kenya

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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 64 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).

Contents

Kenya National Library Service has a total of 64 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.CountyNo. of LibrariesArea Situated
1Baringo3Kabarnet, Meisori, Eldama Ravine
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
21 Lamu None
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 Taveta3Wundanyi, Voi, Werugha (Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library)
40Tana RiverNone
41Tharaka NithiNone
42Trans NzoiaNone
43TurkanaNone
44Uasin Gishu1Eldoret
45VihigaNone
46Wajir5Wajir, Griftu, Habasweni, Tarbaj, Bute
47West PokotNone
48.Athi riverElimika resource center
TOTAL64

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.

See also

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References

  1. National Library Service of Kenya
  2. National Library Service of Kenya
  3. "Busia Community Library". Facebook. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  4. "Akili Community Libraries - Akili Trust". www.akilitrust.org. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  5. "Children International Launches Its First Container Library in Kenya".
  6. "Current Project - Kigima Resource Centre - A Community Library in Kenya | Serveavillage.org". www.serveavillage.org. Archived from the original on 2013-09-28.
  7. "Community Outreach". AmericaShare. Retrieved August 24, 2022.