About Us

Who We Are

Kenya’s national library: preserving knowledge, supporting access and strengthening the library sector.

Our identity

Serving Kenya as the national custodian of knowledge.

Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) Board is a statutory body of the Government of Kenya established by an Act of Parliament, Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya, in April 1965. The State Corporations Act, Cap 446 of the Laws of Kenya, also guides the Board in its operations.

KNLS exists to provide library and information services, promote literacy and safeguard Kenya’s documentary heritage. This foundation reflects our long-standing role as the national library and custodian of the country’s knowledge resources.

What we do

How KNLS protects knowledge and helps people access it.

Our national mandate brings together policy leadership, preservation, research, literacy promotion and practical support for libraries and communities.

Shape library policy and standards

We develop national library policy, legislation, norms and standards so that library services across Kenya can grow with clear guidance and consistent quality.

Strengthen county library services

We provide technical assistance and capacity building to County Governments, helping local library teams improve their services and respond to community needs.

Advance library research

We carry out and promote research on libraries and related services, creating evidence that supports better decisions, innovation and sector development.

Promote reading and literacy

We encourage reading for knowledge, information and enjoyment while supporting campaigns that help build a stronger reading culture and reduce illiteracy.

Issue international standard numbers

We administer identifiers for books, serials and music, making Kenyan publications easier to catalogue, discover and manage locally and internationally.

Document Kenya’s publishing output

We publish the Kenya National Bibliography and the Kenya Periodicals Directory, creating trusted records of the country’s intellectual and cultural production.

Connect library catalogues through WebCat

We establish and maintain a national WebCat so users can explore catalogues from libraries across the country through a more connected discovery system.

Preserve the national documentary heritage

We acquire, preserve and maintain library resources published in Kenya and beyond, protecting materials needed for research and a comprehensive national bibliography.

Provide reference and referral support

We help users locate reliable information and connect them with relevant resources, services and institutions for deeper research and learning.

Our purpose

Keeping knowledge available for today and protected for tomorrow.

Through national leadership, collaboration and practical services, KNLS helps people, institutions and communities find information, preserve valuable records and build a stronger culture of learning.