KNLS Seeks Sh112 Million to Revamp Aging Libraries, Parliament Told
KNLS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Nzivo painted a grim picture of the state of the libraries, describing their conditions as dire.
The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is seeking over Sh112 million to rehabilitate three of its major facilities that have fallen into disrepair. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is seeking over Sh112 million to rehabilitate three of its major facilities that have fallen into disrepair.
The appeal was made during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, where lawmakers were told that urgent intervention is needed to save the country’s public libraries from further decay.
KNLS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Nzivo painted a grim picture of the state of the libraries, describing their conditions as dire.
“Maktaba Kuu, which serves as our headquarters, along with our Buruburu and Nakuru branches, are in a severe state of decay,” Dr. Nzivo told the committee, chaired by Kabete MP Hon. Wamacukuru Gathua.
He revealed that both the Buruburu and Nakuru branches have not undergone any major repairs in more than a decade, leaving them struggling to meet the needs of library users.
Dr. Nzivo urged the committee to push for increased budget allocations, warning that continued neglect would cripple the services these facilities provide to communities across the country.
Beyond repairs, KNLS also has an ambitious expansion plan aimed at decentralizing library services. Dr. Nzivo disclosed that the agency is planning to construct new satellite centres in six regions: Busia, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Kitale, Kajiado, and two in the North Eastern region — Mandera and Wajir counties.
However, he noted that KNLS faces a significant staffing shortage, with only 165 employees currently working against an ideal workforce of 317. The CEO also unveiled plans to establish a Conservation and Preservation Laboratory and launch the Kenya School of Professionals to boost capacity building in the sector.
Hon. Wamacukuru assured KNLS of the Committee’s support, promising to advocate for the required funds through the National Treasury. “The Committee will fulfill its mandate by ensuring that the necessary funds are allocated to KNLS,” he said.
Busia MP Hon. Catherine Omanyo, while backing the funding request, advised KNLS to consider expanding its revenue streams to fund sustainable projects. “It’s clear that KNLS has potential income streams. Consider expanding these to generate more funds,” she noted.
Suba South MP Hon. Caroli Omondi questioned why the Buruburu and Nakuru branches had been overlooked in previous budgets and urged KNLS to accelerate the digitization of its services to modernize access and reach more Kenyans.
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