ISBN FAQ’s
ISBN basics
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique 13-digit identifier for books, eBooks and other published materials. It helps publishers, booksellers, libraries and distributors identify a particular edition of a book and manage titles in the global marketplace.
Why do I need an ISBN?
An ISBN distinguishes your book from other publications, supports distribution through retailers and libraries, improves global discoverability, supports accurate cataloguing, and gives your publication professional bibliographic identity.
Where do I get an ISBN in Kenya?
In Kenya, ISBNs are obtained through the Kenya National Library Service, which serves as the official ISBN agency for the country.
How to get an ISBN in Kenya
- Visit the ISBN Manager Platform at www.isbn.ac.ke.
- If you are a first-time user, click Don’t have an account. If you are already registered, log in and continue.
- Provide an email address, username and password.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and sign-up process.
- After email verification, complete your user profile and publisher information. Self-publishing authors should also complete publisher information using their personal details.
- Ensure all mandatory fields under My Info and Publisher Info are completed.
- Click ISBN Products, add the required ISBN quantity to your cart, complete the transaction, select your payment mode and make payment.
- Your ISBN will be sent to the email address you provided.
ISBN costs
| ISBN package | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single ISBN | Kshs 1,500.00 |
| Batch of 10 ISBNs | Kshs 10,000.00 |
| Batch of 100 ISBNs | Kshs 50,000.00 |
| Batch of 1,000 ISBNs | Kshs 100,000.00 |
Purchasing ISBNs in batches can offer cost savings for authors and publishers planning to release multiple titles.
Editions, formats and series
Can I use the same ISBN for different editions of my book?
No. Each edition of a book, including hardcover, paperback and e-book versions, requires a unique ISBN. Significant content changes may also require a new ISBN.
Do I need an ISBN for each book in a series?
Yes. Each distinct edition or format of a book within a series requires its own unique ISBN.
Do I need an ISBN for each translated language version?
Yes. Each translated version should have its own ISBN because ISBNs are tied to a specific language edition and format.
What if I forget my ISBN Manager password?
Click the Forgot Password link, enter the email address associated with your account, then follow the reset link sent to your inbox.
After getting an ISBN: legal deposit
After acquiring an ISBN, publishers must fulfil legal deposit requirements. In Kenya, the Books and Newspapers Act (Cap 111) requires publishers to submit two copies of their publications to the national library.
Do e-books require legal deposit?
Yes. E-books are usually subject to legal deposit requirements, and KNLS accepts digital copies of publications.
Is legal deposit mandatory for self-published authors?
Yes. Legal deposit is generally mandatory for all publishers, including self-published authors.
What does the library do with legal deposits?
Legal deposits preserve cultural and intellectual heritage and support the development of the Kenya National Bibliography, which reflects the nation’s cultural, educational and historical landscape.