Kenyan publishers have requested an extension of the compliance period in the Books and Newspapers (Amendment) Bill, 2025, citing that the proposed 14-day window for submitting copies of publications is too short and could place undue strain on the industry.

The National Assembly Committee on Broadcasting and Library, chaired by Daniel Nanok MP, Turkana West, engaged key stakeholders, including the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA), to gather input on the proposed legislation.

The consultations followed Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution, which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation in law-making.

The Kenya Publishers Association, represented by Musyoki Muli, recommended establishing a central repository to reduce the burden of distributing multiple copies to institutions.

He emphasised that the 14-day deadline is too short, saying, “14 days is the shortest time given. We wish to be given at least one month or even more,” noting challenges in production, quality control, and distribution for smaller publishers.

Bill proposals and requirements

The Bill seeks to amend section 6 of the Books and Newspapers Act, Cap 111, requiring publishers to deliver up to three copies of every book printed or published in Kenya to the Clerk of the Senate, in addition to existing recipients such as the Registrar of Books and Newspapers, Kenya National Library Service, and Kenya National Archives.

It also mandates the submission of digital copies to the Registrar, National Library Services, Kenya National Archives, and the Senate. Sections 14 and 17 will replace outdated colonial references with “Kenya.”

The legislation also proposes expanding mandatory legal deposits to Parliament to enhance its library as a national knowledge centre, mirroring practices in countries like South Korea, Indonesia, and South Africa.

Publishers are expected to submit copies at their own expense, with penalties for non-compliance including fines of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment of up to three years (five for repeat offenders), or both, along with potential bans on future publishing.

Stakeholder concerns

MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo urged alignment of the Bill with Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and media independence. He called for review of provisions that may hinder media operations, including legacy requirements for publisher and printer bonds.

Omwoyo pledged the Council’s support for Parliament to access relevant content while maintaining a pluralistic and constitutionally compliant media environment.

Lawmakers directed KPA to focus submissions on the Bill’s clauses. Muli requested additional time to prepare a comprehensive memorandum addressing the amendments.

The legislation will undergo further committee scrutiny, incorporating stakeholder feedback, before advancing to a second reading where MPs will debate timelines, sanctions, and other provisions. Stakeholders stress the importance of a law that balances cultural preservation with the sustainability of Kenya’s publishing sector.