The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is seeking over Kshs. 112 million to repair and maintain three of its deteriorating facilities, a House Committee has been told.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, KNLS CEO Dr Charles Nzivo described the state of the facilities as dire and in urgent need of rehabilitation.
“Maktaba Kuu, which serves as our headquarters, along with our Buruburu and Nakuru branches, is in a severe state of decay,” said Dr Nzivo.
Speaking during the Committee’s session chaired by Kabete MP Wamacukuru Gathua, Dr Nzivo highlighted that the Buruburu and Nakuru facilities have not undergone repairs in over a decade.
He emphasised the critical role the three facilities play in delivering library services across the country and urged the Committee to champion increased budget allocations for their restoration.
In addition to rehabilitation, Dr Nzivo revealed plans by KNLS to construct satellite centres in six regions as part of efforts to decentralise library services.
The proposed locations are Busia County (Western), Kirinyaga County (Central), Homa Bay County (Nyanza), Kitale (North Rift), Kajiado (South Rift) and two centres in Mandera and Wajir Counties (North Eastern).
The CEO also noted a significant staffing shortfall, with KNLS currently operating with only 165 staff against a proposed workforce of 317.
Dr. Nzivo further disclosed that KNLS intends to establish a Conservation and Preservation Laboratory and the Kenya School of Professionals.
He appealed to the Committee to support the agency in securing adequate funding to achieve its strategic objectives.
Wamacukuru acknowledged the vital services provided by KNLS and affirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting its initiatives.
“The Committee will fulfil its mandate by ensuring that the necessary funds are allocated to KNLS through the National Treasury,” said Wamacukuru.
Busia County MP Catherine Omanyo urged the agency to explore alternative revenue-generating initiatives, noting that KNLS could leverage its existing income streams to invest in sustainable projects.
“From your presentation, it’s clear that KNLS has revenue streams. Consider expanding these to fund additional income-generating ventures,” she advised.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi questioned the prolonged neglect of the Buruburu and Nakuru branches, asking why they had not been prioritised in previous budgets.
He also encouraged KNLS to accelerate the digitisation of its services.
