In implementing the mandate of the National Government, the Kenya National Library Service carries out the following 9 key functions:

Library Sector

Develop policy, legislation, and set norms and standards for the library sector.

County Goverments

Capacity building and technical assistance to the county governments.

Library Resources

Acquire and preserve a collection of library resources, including books published within and outside kenya, and such other materials and sources of knowledge, necessary for comprehensive national bibliography.

Research

Carry out and promote research in the development of libraries and related services

ISBN

Administering international standards numbers for books, serials, and music.

Eradication of illeteracy

Promote reading for knowledge, information and enjoyment, through stimulation of public interests in books, and participation in campaigns for the eradication of illiteracy.

KNB

Publish Kenya National Bibliography and Kenya Periodical Directory.

Catalogue

Establish the national WebCat for publish catalogues for all for all libraries

Referrence

Provide library reference and referral services.