Who We Are
The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is a Government State Corporation, established by the KNLS Board Act Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in 1965 – revised [Act No. 12 of 1984]. KNLS’ headquarters is at Maktaba Kuu Building located in Upper Hill Nairobi and has two other facilities at Buruburu in the Eastland Areas of Nairobi, and Nakuru in Nakuru County. KNLS also manages the virtual library https://vtabu.knls.ac.ke/ to allow the public wide access to information resources and sources.
The National Library mandate is undertaken at the three KNLS library facilities. Being the national bibliographic agency, KNLS is a rich repository of all the books published in Kenya and on Kenya. This facilitates the publication of a comprehensive Kenya National Bibliography and, thus, contributes to preserving Kenya’s diverse culture and heritage for present and future generations. KNLS ensures that these national documentary resources are collected, preserved, and made accessible at the National Library facilities, on the virtual library platform, or through collaborative arrangements with other libraries. KNLS’ work is indeed essential for research, education, and advancing a knowledge economy. The library collections comprise rare books, manuscripts, books published in Kenya and on Kenya, periodicals, microfilms, government publications, bound old newspapers, maps, technical reports, and Africana collection among other diverse information resources. Capacity building and consultancy on library matters and related subjects also form the core functions of the KNLS Board
Kenya National Library Service
Where we are
The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is a Government State Corporation, established by the KNLS Board Act Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in 1965, and revised by Act No. 12 of 1984. Our headquarters are situated in the iconic Maktaba Kuu Building in Upper Hill, Nairobi, with additional facilities in Buruburu (Eastlands, Nairobi) and Nakuru County. We also manage a Virtual Library at vtabu.knls.ac.ke, providing wide-reaching access to information resources.
Our Catalogue
Publications Done
Client Satisfaction
Our Mandate
As the National Bibliographic Agency, KNLS serves as the repository for all books published in Kenya and those concerning Kenya. This critical role enables us to publish the Kenya National Bibliography, preserving the nation’s diverse cultural heritage for both present and future generations. Our collections include rare books, manuscripts, periodicals, microfilms, government publications, bound newspapers, maps, technical reports, and a special Africana collection, among other valuable resources.
Our mandate extends beyond mere preservation. KNLS is committed to research, education, and the advancement of a knowledge economy. We ensure that our national documentary resources are collected, preserved, and made accessible through our physical library facilities, the virtual platform, and partnerships with other libraries.
Digital Transformation
To further enhance our mandate, the KNLS Board oversees the management of the Digitization Lab, Data Center, and the Virtual Library. These digital platforms enable universal access to Kenya’s national documentary heritage, ensuring that our rich cultural legacy is available to a global audience.
Supporting the Publishing Industry
KNLS is also the National ISBN Agency for Kenya. We issue the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to all Kenyan publishers and authors, a responsibility delegated to us by the International ISBN Agency in London, UK. For more information on the ISBN application process, visit ISBN Kenya.
Our Facilities
Our National Library facilities at Maktaba Kuu, Buruburu, and Nakuru were built with funding from the exchequer, facilitating the development of a world-class National Library that aligns with global standards. The construction of these libraries reflects our commitment to becoming a leading institution in the global library community.
