The Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is a Government State Corporation, established by the KNLS Board Act Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in 1965 – revised [Act No. 12 of 1984].  KNLS’ headquarters is at Maktaba Kuu Building located in Upper Hill Nairobi and has two other facilities at Buruburu in the Eastland Areas of Nairobi, and Nakuru in Nakuru County. KNLS also manages the virtual library https://vtabu.knls.ac.ke/ to allow the public wide access to information resources and sources.

The National Library mandate is undertaken at the three KNLS library facilities. Being the national bibliographic agency, KNLS is a rich repository of all the books published in Kenya and on Kenya. This facilitates the publication of a comprehensive Kenya National Bibliography and, thus, contributes to preserving Kenya’s diverse culture and heritage for present and future generations. KNLS ensures that these national documentary resources are collected, preserved, and made accessible at the National Library facilities, on the virtual library platform, or through collaborative arrangements with other libraries. KNLS’ work is indeed essential for research, education, and advancing a knowledge economy. The library collections comprise rare books, manuscripts, books published in Kenya and on Kenya, periodicals, microfilms, government publications, bound old newspapers, maps, technical reports, and Africana collection among other diverse information resources. Capacity building and consultancy on library matters and related subjects also form the core functions of the KNLS Board