Public Libraries in Kenya: Full List by County (2026)

Quick answer

Since 1 July 2019 most public libraries in Kenya are run by county governments. The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) kept three national libraries: its headquarters in Nairobi, the Buru Buru branch in Nairobi and the Nakuru branch.

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Updated 18 October 2026

Quick answer: Kenya’s public libraries are run by two bodies. The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) runs three national libraries: its headquarters at Maktaba Kuu in Upper Hill, Nairobi, the Buru Buru branch in Nairobi and the Nakuru branch. Since 1 July 2019, the other 59 public branch libraries, spread across 33 counties, have been run by county governments under Legal Notice 142 of 2019 on the transfer of library functions. The full list by county is below.

This guide lists every library named in the legal notice, explains what each type of library offers and how to use KNLS’s national and digital services. KNLS details are from its official website, checked on 18 October 2026.

Who Runs Public Libraries in Kenya

KNLS is a government state corporation established under Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in 1965 and revised under Act No. 12 of 1984. For decades it ran a national network of branch libraries. The Constitution of 2010 made libraries a devolved function, and in 2019 Legal Notice 142 transferred most branches to the counties where they sit. KNLS kept its headquarters and the Buru Buru and Nakuru libraries as national libraries.

In practice this means two different points of contact. For a national library, contact KNLS. For any other branch, contact the county government, usually through its department responsible for education, culture or social services.

National Libraries Run by KNLS

• KNLS Headquarters (Maktaba Kuu), Upper Hill, Nairobi. KNLS lists opening hours of 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday and 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, and the phone number +254 202 739 893.
• Buru Buru Branch Library, Nairobi.
• Nakuru Branch Library.

County-Run Branch Libraries

The Second Schedule of Legal Notice 142 of 2019 lists the following branches, by county:

That is 59 branches in 33 counties. The notice lists no branches for the other 14 counties, though some may have opened their own libraries since.

Counties With the Most Branches

Wajir has the most county-run branches in the schedule, with five: Wajir, Habaswein, Bute, Griftu and Tarbaj. Meru and Nyeri have four each. Kilifi, Garissa, Makueni and Siaya have three each. In Nairobi, the only county-run branch is Kibera, while the city’s two other public libraries, the headquarters and Buru Buru, stay with KNLS. Nakuru County has county-run branches at Gilgil and Naivasha in addition to the national Nakuru library.

What County Libraries Offer

Under the legal notice, county libraries provide:

• Lending of books and other materials.
• Inter-library loans.
• Outreach services.
• Reference services.
• ICT access.
• Local collection sections on the county and its communities.

Opening hours, membership fees and rules are set by each county, so call the county office or visit the library before you plan a long study session.

National and Digital Services From KNLS

KNLS’s website lists several services that anyone can use, wherever they live:

• Vtabu: a virtual library giving access to digital books, journals and online resources.
• E-resources: open and subscribed e-journals, searchable from the KNLS site.
• Braille library services and a section for readers with visual impairments.
• Study and discussion rooms, and an American Corner programme.
• Interlibrary loans and reference and referral services.
• Rare collections, preservation and digitisation services.

For Authors and Publishers

KNLS issues ISBNs, receives legal deposit copies of publications and records them in the Kenya National Bibliography. If you publish a book in Kenya, those three steps make it part of the national record. ISBN applications are made through KNLS’s online service.

Tips for Using a Public Library

• Carry your ID in case the library asks for it when you register as a member.
• Ask about membership fees and whether children can join on a parent’s card.
• Check whether computers and Wi-Fi need booking, especially during exam periods.
• Use Vtabu or the e-resources when your nearest branch is far away.

Caveat

The county list reflects the official 2019 transfer schedule. Counties may have opened, moved or closed libraries since then, so confirm with the county before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs public libraries in Kenya?

County governments run the 59 branch libraries listed in Legal Notice 142 of 2019; KNLS runs the Nairobi headquarters, Buru Buru and Nakuru libraries.

Which libraries are in Nairobi?

KNLS headquarters and Buru Buru (national) and Kibera (county).

How many public libraries are in Kenya?

The 2019 legal notice lists 59 county branch libraries plus three KNLS national libraries, 62 in total.

What are KNLS headquarters’ opening hours?

KNLS lists 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays.