List of libraries in Kenya

National and public libraries

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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).

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

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No. County No. of Libraries Area Situated
1 Baringo 3 Kabarnet, Meisori, Eldama Ravine
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, Gatimbi
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 3 Wundanyi, Voi, 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
48. Athi river Elimika resource center
TOTAL 64

Community libraries

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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

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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

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  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.
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