The accessibility of relevant information is vital for the quest for knowledge, and libraries play a crucial role in providing such resources. With their serene environments and diverse collections, national libraries serve as valuable hubs for research and learning. In Kenya, these institutions offer not only books but also historical newspapers, catering to a wide range of interests.
However, several counties in Kenya lack a single National Public Library, limiting access to essential information for residents in those areas. Counties like Nyamira, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, and Turkana are among those without such facilities, highlighting the need for expanded library services across the country.
Here is a list of all the National Public Libraries in Kenya, along with the counties they are situated in and the number of libraries:
| No. | County | No. of Libraries | Area Situated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baringo | 2 | Kabarnet, Meisori |
| 2 | Bomet | 1 | Silibwet |
| 3 | Bungoma | 1 | Kimilili |
| 4 | Busia | None | – |
| 5 | Elgeyo/Marakwet | 1 | Lagam |
| 6 | Embu | 1 | Embu |
| 7 | Garissa | 3 | Garissa, Mbalambala, Masalani |
| 8 | Homa Bay | None | – |
| 9 | Isiolo | 1 | Isiolo |
| 10 | Kajiado | None | – |
| 11 | Kakamega | 2 | Kakamega, Lusumu |
| 12 | Kericho | 1 | Kericho |
| 13 | Kiambu | 1 | Thika |
| 14 | Kilifi | 3 | Kilifi, Dzitsoni, Malindi |
| 15 | Kirinyaga | None | – |
| 16 | Kisii | 1 | Kisii |
| 17 | Kisumu | 2 | Kisumu, Koru (Dr. Robert Ouko Memorial Library) |
| 18 | Kitui | 1 | Mwingi |
| 19 | Kwale | 1 | Kwale (Ukunda) |
| 20 | Laikipia | 2 | Nanyuki, Rumuruti |
| 21 | Lamu | None | – |
| 22 | Machakos | None | – |
| 23 | Makueni | 3 | Mutyambua, Kinyambu, Kithasyu |
| 24 | Mandera | 1 | Mandera |
| 25 | Marsabit | 1 | Moyale |
| 26 | Meru | 3 | Meru, Mikumbune, Timau, Gatimbi |
| 27 | Migori | 1 | Awendo |
| 28 | Mombasa | 1 | Mombasa |
| 29 | Murang’a | 2 | Murang’a, Kangema |
| 30 | Nairobi | 3 | Nairobi Area, Buruburu, Kibera |
| 31 | Nakuru | 3 | Nakuru, Naivasha, Gilgil |
| 32 | Nandi | 1 | Kapsabet |
| 33 | Narok | 2 | Narok, Lelechonik |
| 34 | Nyamira | None | – |
| 35 | Nyandarua | 1 | Ol Kalou |
| 36 | Nyeri | 4 | Nyeri, Munyu, Chinga, Karatina |
| 37 | Samburu | None | – |
| 38 | Siaya | 3 | Nyilima, Rambula, Ukwala |
| 39 | Taita Taveta | 2 | Wundanyi, Werugha (Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library) |
| 40 | Tana River | None | – |
| 41 | Tharaka Nithi | None | – |
| 42 | Trans Nzoia | None | – |
| 43 | Turkana | None | – |
| 44 | Uasin Gishu | 1 | Eldoret |
| 45 | Vihiga | None | – |
| 46 | Wajir | 5 | Wajir, Griftu, Habasweni, Tarbaj, Bute |
| 47 | West Pokot | None | – |
| TOTAL | 62 |