Nakuru County Acquires Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) from Government
The Nakuru County Government has expanded its responsibilities after acquiring Kenya National Library Services (KNLS).
The County Secretary, Dr. Samuel Mwaura, stated that the transfer of KNLS was a significant boost to the devolved unit because it bolstered the implementation of information, communication, and technology (ICT) and youth empowerment programs in the county.
Dr. Mwaura stated during the signing of transfer documents that all KNLS functions and resources have been transferred to the devolved unit in accordance with the Kenya Gazette notice dated August 9, 2019.
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The Inter-Governmental Technical Relations Committee (IGTRC) had approved the separation of KNLS functions and library distribution between the national and county administrations.
According to Dr. Mwaura, the KNLS personnel could be transferred to the county, and the library service would fall under the Tourism and Culture Directorate.
Dr. Mwaura added that the county would work toward delivering library services electronically.
The county secretary stressed the importance of enriching the library by providing devices like laptops and iPads and enabling Wi-Fi connectivity to allow anyone to conduct electronic research.
He remarked that the modernization of the library would make it dynamic and inclusive so that it could serve everyone.
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The county secretary explained that the transfer of library operations to the county government would not prevent continued collaboration between the two administrations.
The official also stated that they hoped to have a library in each of the eleven sub-counties during their tenure in order to promote a culture of reading among students and residents.
Mr. Caleb Nyamwange, county attorney, stated that the decentralized unit would expedite the integration of transferred personnel into the county’s employment systems, in accordance with the existing structures.
Nyamwange stated that the government has transferred the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) to the Nakuru County government as part of its plan to strengthen decentralized entities.
He noted that the transfer of KNLS to the county government was significant for the region, as the facility is an essential resource.
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The national government has allocated Sh45 million to counties for the transfer of library services to devolved units during the current fiscal year. Under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, library services are a delegated function.
Beginning with the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the National Government will allocate resources for library services in an equitable manner as part of a phased transfer of responsibility to county administrations.
Beginning in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the equitable share allocation for 33 counties with national libraries will include Sh45 million for the next three fiscal years.
After three fiscal years, the 33 county governments will need to include KNLS employee salaries in their payrolls.
Nakuru County Acquires Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) from Government
