The Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) is a state corporation under the Ministry of Education, established in 1947, initially as the East African Literature Bureau before adopting its current name in 1980. KLB plays a significant role in Kenya’s educational and literary landscape, making a lasting impact on publishing, printing, and distributing high-quality educational materials. It is known for producing school and college textbooks, dictionaries, storybooks, autobiographies, e-books, and offering top-tier printing services.
The Bureau has earned its reputation as a leading publisher of educational resources and continues to uphold its mandate as outlined in the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, Cap 209 (Revised 2012). Below are the key functions of KLB, which serve as the cornerstone of its operations and contribution to the development of Kenya’s educational and literary fields.
Key Functions of Kenya Literature Bureau
- Publishing, Printing, and Distributing Literary Works The primary function of KLB is to carry out the business of publishing, printing, and distributing a wide variety of educational, literary, cultural, and scientific works. This includes textbooks for schools and colleges, periodicals, journals, magazines, and electronic materials. KLB ensures that learners and educators have access to reliable and high-quality publications across all levels of education.
- Acquiring Copyrights and Licenses KLB is responsible for acquiring copyrights and licenses over literary and other educational works. This function safeguards intellectual property and allows the Bureau to legally publish, distribute, and sell works while protecting the rights of authors and creators.
- Promoting Low-Cost Educational and Literacy Materials In partnership with appropriate government agencies, KLB promotes the production and distribution of low-cost adult literacy materials, scientific literature, and other educational content. This ensures that vital educational resources are accessible to a broader audience, both within and beyond Kenya.
- Supporting and Encouraging Authors KLB provides financial incentives and other forms of support to authors within and outside Kenya. By encouraging the publication of scholarly works, the Bureau promotes literary growth and academic development. It fosters a community of writers and researchers who contribute to the body of knowledge available to students, educators, and the general public.
- Translating Foreign Works into Local Languages To cater to the diverse linguistic needs of the country, KLB makes global knowledge accessible to local communities by translating valuable works from foreign languages into local dialects. This effort helps bridge the language barrier and allows more people to benefit from internationally recognized literature.
- Organizing Literary Competitions To encourage literary talent, KLB organizes competitions for writers and authors to contribute literary works suitable for publication. Through such competitions, the Bureau identifies promising talent and rewards authors for their contributions. This initiative nurtures local writers and elevates the quality of literature produced in Kenya.
- Collaborating with Other Publishing Bodies KLB works closely with other organizations engaged in the publishing, printing, and distribution of books, periodicals, and journals. By cooperating with local and international bodies, KLB enhances the reach and effectiveness of its publishing activities, contributing to the development of Kenya’s publishing industry.
- Providing Affordable Educational Materials One of KLB’s core functions is to publish, print, and sell educational materials at reasonable prices. By ensuring that textbooks and other learning materials are affordable, the Bureau plays a crucial role in supporting Kenya’s education system, making learning resources accessible to schools and educational institutions across the country.
The Role of KLB in the Digital Age
In addition to its traditional publishing roles, KLB has embraced digital transformation by providing e-books and other electronic learning materials. This digital shift enables KLB to reach more learners, especially in a world increasingly reliant on online education. The Bureau also provides digital versions of textbooks and learning resources, ensuring that Kenyan students have access to modern learning tools.
KLB’s continued effort to publish content for emerging subjects such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is helping the Kenyan education system stay aligned with global educational trends. Moreover, by producing and distributing digital content, KLB ensures inclusivity in education, allowing students in rural or under-served areas to access learning materials via mobile devices or computers.
Kenya Literature Bureau Contacts
- Head Office: South C, KLB Road, Off Popo Road, Nairobi.
- Contact: 0711 318 188
The Kenya Literature Bureau plays an integral role in shaping Kenya’s educational landscape through its publishing, printing, and distribution services. With a wide range of affordable educational resources, KLB ensures that schools, colleges, and other institutions have the necessary materials to support learning. Additionally, by promoting local authors, collaborating with other publishing bodies, and expanding its digital offerings, KLB continues to be a leader in the literary and educational sector in Kenya.
