NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) has requested over Sh112 million for urgent repairs to three of its oldest and most deteriorating branches, warning that the facilities are in critical condition and in dire need of attention.
The KNLS CEO, Dr. Charles Nzivo, revealed the extent of the disrepair during a presentation to the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on Wednesday, highlighting the poor state of the main branch, Maktaba Kuu, as well as the Buruburu and Nakuru libraries.
Nzivo emphasized that these three libraries, crucial to the delivery of library services across the country, have not undergone significant repairs in over a decade.
He called for the committee’s support in securing the necessary funding for the rehabilitation of these facilities to ensure they remain functional and accessible to the public.
In addition to the repairs, KNLS is also planning to expand its services by establishing satellite centres in Busia, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Kitale, Kajiado, Mandera, and Wajir, which will enhance access to library services nationwide.
The agency also aims to set up a conservation and preservation laboratory and a Kenya School of Professionals to further improve its offerings.
However, Nzivo noted that KNLS is facing a serious staff shortage, operating with only 165 employees instead of the required 317.
He urged the committee to allocate more resources through the national budget to help the agency meet its long-term goals.
While the committee expressed support for KNLS, some members, like Busia MP Catherine Omanyo, suggested exploring alternative revenue-generating avenues to reduce reliance on public funding.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi also questioned why the Buruburu and Nakuru branches had not been prioritized for repairs in previous budgets and urged faster progress in digitizing services to meet the evolving needs of library users.
