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Full List of Public Libraries in Kenya: Locations, Contacts, and Services: Everything You Need to Know

  • BY waceke
  • February 16, 2025
kenya national library

Public libraries play a vital role in fostering education, research, and community development. In Kenya, the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is the statutory body responsible for managing public libraries across the country. Established in 1965 under Cap 225 of the laws of Kenya, KNLS has been instrumental in promoting literacy, providing access to information, and supporting lifelong learning.

This article provides a detailed guide to public libraries in Kenya, including their locations, contacts, and services. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or business professional, this resource will help you find the nearest library and explore the opportunities they offer.

Why Public Libraries Matter in Kenya

Public libraries are more than just repositories of books. They are community hubs that offer:

  • Access to educational resources: From textbooks to e-books, libraries provide materials for all levels of education.
  • Digital services: Many libraries now offer internet access, computer training, and e-learning platforms.
  • Community programs: Libraries host events like book clubs, career workshops, and children’s storytelling sessions.
  • Research support: Students and professionals can access journals, databases, and reference materials.

With over 60 public libraries spread across Kenya, KNLS ensures that every county has access to these essential services.

List of Public Libraries in Kenya by County

Below is a comprehensive list of KNLS-managed public libraries in Kenya, organized by county. Each entry includes the library’s location, contact information, and email address for easy access.

Baringo County

  1. Kabarnet KNLS Library
  2. Meisori KNLS Library
  3. Eldama Ravine KNLS Library

Bomet County

  1. Silibwet KNLS Library

Bungoma County

  1. Kimilili KNLS Library
    • Location: Kitale-Bungoma Road, Next to Kimilili District Hospital
    • Contact: 020 215 8370
    • Email: knlskimilili@knls.ac.ke

Elgeyo Marakwet County

  1. Lagam KNLS Library

Embu County

  1. Embu KNLS Library

Garissa County

  1. Garissa KNLS Library
    • Location: Off Garissa-Dadaab Road, Opposite Administration Police
    • Contact: 020 215 8387
    • Email: knlsgarissa@knls.ac.ke
  2. Mbalambala KNLS Library
  3. Masalani KNLS Library
    • Location: Along Busia-Hola Road, Next to Masalani Primary School
    • Contact: 020 215 8388
    • Email: knlsmasalani@knls.ac.ke

Isiolo County

  1. Isiolo KNLS Library

Kakamega County

  1. Kakamega KNLS Library
  2. Lusumu KNLS Library

Kericho County

  1. Kericho KNLS Library
    • Location: Along Kisumu Road, Opposite South Western College
    • Contact: 020 215 8367
    • Email: knlskericho@knls.ac.ke

Kiambu County

  1. Thika KNLS Library

Kilifi County

  1. Kilifi KNLS Library
  2. Malindi KNLS Library
  3. Dzitsoni KNLS Library

Kisii County

  1. Kisii KNLS Library

Kisumu County

  1. Kisumu KNLS Library
    • Location: Ochieng Road, Next to Kisumu Social Centre
    • Contact: 020 215 8368
    • Email: knlskisumu@knls.ac.ke
  2. Koru KNLS Library

Kitui County

  1. Mwingi KNLS Library
    • Location: Mwingi-Kyuso Road, Beside Mwingi High School
    • Contact: 020 215 8386
    • Email: knlsmwingi@knls.ac.ke

Kwale County

  1. Kwale KNLS Library

Laikipia County

  1. Rumuruti KNLS Library
    • Location: Off Nyahururu-Maralal Road, Opposite Pagan Girls Secondary
    • Contact: 020 215 8382
    • Email: knlsrumuruti@knls.ac.ke
  2. Laikipia KNLS Library

Makueni County

  1. Kithasyu KNLS Library
    • Location: Next to Kithasyu Primary School and Chulu National Park
    • Contact: 020 215 8396
    • Email: knlskithasyu@knls.ac.ke
  2. Mutyambua KNLS Library
  3. Kinyambu KNLS Library

Mandera County

  1. Mandera KNLS Library
    • Location: Off Isiolo-Mandera Road, Next to Magistrate’s Court
    • Contact: 020 215 8392
    • Email: knlsmandera@knls.ac.ke

Marsabit County

  1. Moyale KNLS Library

Meru County

  1. Meru KNLS Library
  2. Mikombine KNLS Library
  3. Timau KNLS Library
  4. Gatimbi KNLS Library

Migori County

  1. Awendo KNLS Library

Mombasa County

  1. Mombasa KNLS Library

Muranga County

  1. Muranga KNLS Library
  2. John Michuki Memorial Library

Nairobi County

  1. Nairobi KNLS Library
    • Location: Maktaba Kuu Building, Ngong Road, Community Area
    • Contact: 0722 860 567
    • Email: knlsnal@knls.ac.ke
  2. Buruburu KNLS Library
  3. Kibera KNLS Library
    • Location: Albert Road, Next to Soweto Primary School
    • Contact: 0770 706 227
    • Email: knlskibera@knls.ac.ke

Nakuru County

  1. Nakuru KNLS Library
    • Location: Behind Christ the King Cathedral, Off Moses Mudavadi Road
    • Contact: 020 215 8362
    • Email: knlsnakuru@knls.ac.ke
  2. Naivasha KNLS Library
  3. Gilgil KNLS Library

Nandi County

  1. Kapsabet KNLS Library
    • Location: Kapsabet-Eldoret Road, Opposite Kapsabet Hospital
    • Contact: 020 215 8366
    • Email: knlskapsabet@knls.ac.ke

Narok County

  1. Lelechonik KNLS Library
  2. Narok KNLS Library

Nyandarua County

  1. Ol Kalou KNLS Library

Nyeri County

  1. Nyeri KNLS Library
    • Location: Kenyatta Avenue, Opposite Barclays Bank
    • Contact: 020 215 8377
    • Email: knlsnyeri@knls.ac.ke
  2. Munyu KNLS Library
    • Location: Off Nanyuki Road, 12km from Naromoru Town
    • Contact: 020 215 8378
    • Email: knlsmunyu@knls.ac.ke
  3. Chinga KNLS Library
  4. Karatina KNLS Library

Siaya County

  1. Ukwala KNLS Library
  2. Nyilima KNLS Library
  3. Rambula KNLS Library

Taita Taveta County

  1. Wundanyi KNLS Library
    • Location: Wundanyi, Next to Ministry of Lands Office
    • Contact: 020 213 4196
  2. Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial KNLS Library
  3. Voi Community KNLS Library

Uasin Gishu County

  1. Eldoret KNLS Library

Wajir County

  1. Wajir KNLS Library
  2. Habaswein KNLS Library
  3. Bute KNLS Library
  4. Tarbaj KNLS Library
  5. Griftu KNLS Library

Services Offered by KNLS Libraries

KNLS libraries offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of diverse users. These include:

  1. Book Lending: Members can borrow books for personal or academic use.
  2. E-Learning Resources: Access to online courses, research databases, and digital books.
  3. Children’s Programs: Storytelling sessions, reading competitions, and holiday programs.
  4. Career Development: Workshops on CV writing, job interviews, and entrepreneurship.
  5. Community Events: Book clubs, author meet-and-greets, and cultural festivals.

How to Join a KNLS Library

Becoming a member of a KNLS library is simple and affordable. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the nearest library: Bring your national ID or passport.
  2. Pay the membership fee: Fees vary but are generally affordable (e.g., KES 500 annually).
  3. Get your membership card: This grants you access to all KNLS libraries nationwide.

The Role of Libraries in Kenya’s Vision 2030

Public libraries are key to achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in the education and technology sectors. By providing access to information and digital resources, libraries empower citizens to participate in the knowledge economy.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study, access to rare books, or a community space to network, KNLS libraries have something for everyone. Visit your nearest library today and unlock a world of knowledge!