from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – THE Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is advocating the transformation of the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) into a modern national digital knowledge institution to support the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The ministry made the submissions to the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare as part of deliberations on the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2023).
William Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, appeared before the legislative committee on Tuesday.
Following his appearance, he said the proposals emphasised aligning KNLS with national digital policies through secure interoperability with platforms such as eCitizen, strengthening cybersecurity and data protection, adopting a cloud-first approach, and ensuring digital services are accessible to all.
This includes people living with disabilities.
“Through these reforms, the government continues to lay a strong legislative foundation for an inclusive, secure and knowledge-driven digital future,” Gitau said after the appearance in Nairobi.
KNLS is a state corporation mandated to develop, promote, establish and equip libraries across Kenya.
It is responsible for collecting and preserving all works published within, or about, the East African country under the Books and Newspapers Act.
KNLS also promotes a culture of reading, tackles illiteracy and serves as a specialised information and data centre for international networks.
Analysts have highlighted the critical need for local libraries to embrace digitisation in order to remain relevant, respond to changing user expectations and align with global trends.
In July, the National Assembly passed the Kenya National Library Service Bill with amendments before referring it to the Senate for further consideration and concurrence.
– CAJ News