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Learners and communities will soon benefit from educational and library services if a new bill is enacted.

The County Library Services Bill, 2024 sponsored by nominated Senator Joyce Korir seeks to establish libraries in each county to ensure that learners and the communities have access to educational resources and information.

If passed the libraries will also help the learners and communities to promote literacy in counties, to support education, cultural and research activities by providing necessary resources and facilities and to ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage of counties for future generations.

“The principal object of this Bill is to promote the establishment and use of libraries in counties so as facilitate access to information, improve education standards and reduce levels of illiteracy in the counties,” reads part of the bill.

Korir who is also the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Vice Chair proposes for the creation of the County Library Services Development Committee in each county.

The committee shall consist of the county executive committee member responsible for library services who shall be the chairperson, two persons who shall be distinguished academics appointed by the County Governor and two persons who have demonstrable knowledge in library and information science and at least five years’ experience in the provision of library services appointed by the County Governor.

Appointees

“The persons appointed shall hold office for a term of three years, renewable for one further term of three years. The members of the committee shall be paid such allowances as the county executive committee member shall determine in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission,” reads part of the Bill.

Korir further proposes that the Committee shall establish and promote the establishment of libraries in the county, develop, equip, manage, and maintain libraries including electronic libraries in the county, promote technology disseminate information in accessing and provide information service responsive to the needs of communities.

In addition, the committee shall plan, coordinate and advise the county government on the delivery of library services and advise the county government and other public bodies on all matters relating to the library, documentation and related services.

The committee shall also facilitate the documentation of information relating to the county and the provision of related services in the county, facilitate the training of librarians within the county on the principles.