The development of libraries in Kenya

Abstract

This article analyses the growth of libraries in Kenya from the early colonial period to the present. It is noted that early libraries were associated with the development of the new colony. The use of libraries at that time was restricted to European and Asian communities. The information needs of the Africans were not considered until the late 1940s. With independence, libraries became accessible to all races. Although the post-independence era has witnessed marked development of all categories of libraries, growth in the 1990s appear to have been hampered by diminished funding from the Treasury.


Innovation No.28 2004: 1-8