Since 1 July 2019, most public libraries in Kenya are run by county governments. The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) kept three national libraries.
National libraries (KNLS)
- KNLS Headquarters, Nairobi
- Buru Buru Branch Library, Nairobi
- Nakuru Branch Library
County-run branch libraries
| County | Branch libraries |
|---|---|
| Mombasa | Mombasa |
| Kwale | Kwale |
| Kilifi | Dzitsoni, Malindi, Kilifi |
| Taita Taveta | Wundanyi, Werugha |
| Garissa | Garissa, Masalani, Mbalambala |
| Wajir | Wajir, Habaswein, Bute, Griftu, Tarbaj |
| Mandera | Mandera |
| Marsabit | Moyale |
| Isiolo | Isiolo |
| Meru | Gatimbi, Mikumbune, Meru, Timau |
| Embu | Embu |
| Kitui | Mwingi |
| Makueni | Kinyambu, Kithasyu, Mutyambua |
| Nyandarua | Ol Kalou |
| Nyeri | Karatina, Munyu, Nyeri, Chinga |
| Murang’a | Kangema, Murang’a |
| Kiambu | Thika |
| Uasin Gishu | Eldoret |
| Elgeyo Marakwet | Lagam |
| Nandi | Kapsabet |
| Baringo | Kabarnet, Meisori (Marigat) |
| Laikipia | Laikipia, Rumuruti |
| Nakuru | Gilgil, Naivasha |
| Narok | Lelechonik, Narok |
| Kericho | Kericho |
| Bomet | Silibwet |
| Kakamega | Kakamega, Lusumu |
| Bungoma | Kimilili |
| Siaya | Nyilima, Rambula, Ukwala |
| Kisumu | Kisumu, Dr. Robert Ouko Memorial |
| Migori | Awendo |
| Kisii | Kisii |
| Nairobi | Kibera |
59 branches in 33 counties, as listed in the Second Schedule of Kenya Law – Legal Notice 142 of 2019, Transfer of Library Functions.
Services
Under the legal notice, county libraries provide lending, inter-library loans, outreach, reference and ICT access services, and keep local-collection sections. Opening hours, membership fees and contacts are set by each county – call the county’s education or culture department before visiting.
Caveat
Counties may have opened new libraries since 2019; this list reflects the official transfer schedule.
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).
Related: Lifestyle
Sources: Kenya Law. Last updated October 2026.
