- Kenya’s public library network could expand significantly under legislation before the National Assembly.
- The County Library Services Bill seeks to strengthen county and sub-county libraries while widening access to information and learning resources.
- Learners, teachers and underserved communities could particularly benefit from expanded physical and digital library services.
Kenya’s education sector is set for a major boost after legislators backed legislation seeking to expand and strengthen public library services across the country’s 47 counties.
The National Assembly has backed the County Library Services Bill, 2024 (Senate Bill No. 40 of 2024), paving the way for a structured system of county and sub-county libraries designed to bring learning and information resources closer to communities.
The legislation seeks to establish a legal framework for the management and delivery of library services, with county governments expected to take responsibility for providing library facilities and services to residents.
Of particular significance to the education sector is the proposed provision of library services at sub-county level, which could give learners in underserved communities greater access to textbooks, reference materials, digital content and other educational resources.
Libraries to support learning
The Bill also places responsibility on county governments to implement national library policies, standards and norms while identifying training and capacity-building needs for library personnel.
For learners and teachers, the expanded library network could provide an important complement to classroom instruction by improving access to research materials and promoting a culture of reading.
The proposed services include book lending, inter-library loans, outreach programmes, specialised services and home-bound services, as well as advisory, reference and referral support.
The legislation further promotes the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in library services, potentially transforming libraries from traditional book-lending centres into modern community learning and digital information hubs.
Such facilities could provide learners with access to online educational materials, research databases and other digital resources while helping young people develop digital literacy skills.
The expansion is also expected to benefit teachers, researchers, job seekers and other members of the public who rely on affordable access to information.
Bridging disparities in access
Education stakeholders have increasingly highlighted the importance of equitable access to learning resources, particularly in communities where schools and households may lack adequate libraries, computers and internet-enabled learning facilities.
By establishing libraries at both county and sub-county levels, the proposed framework could help narrow disparities in access to educational resources between well-served urban centres and remote communities.
The legislation also seeks to strengthen collaboration between county libraries and the national library service, creating a more coordinated system for sharing information and delivering library services.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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