The National Assembly Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library has conducted site visits to five county libraries  in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, and Kisumu counties,

Speaking during visits to  Eldoret Branch Library (Uasin Gishu), Lagam Library(Elgeyo Marakwet), Kakamega Library , Kisumu Library  and the Dr. Robert Ouko Community Memorial Library at Koru, Committee Chairperson Hon. Daniel Nanok underscored the role of libraries as trusted community spaces that could help demystify Parliament and bring legislative processes closer to citizens. “Libraries are trusted community hubs. By setting up Parliamentary Corners, citizens will have direct access to legislative documents and parliamentary reports, which will foster accountability, civic education, and public awareness,” he said.

In Uasin Gishu County, the Committee visited the Eldoret Library, which was vandalised and burnt during the June 2024 protests. Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim announced plans to rebuild the facility into a modern centre with a youth innovation hub and an amphitheatre. “This partnership will revitalise our libraries and make them spaces where citizens, especially young people, can learn and engage on governance issues,” he remarked.

In Elgeyo Marakwet County, the team toured the Lagam Branch Library, which serves about 200 readers daily. The Committee noted challenges of incomplete infrastructure and lack of internet connectivity following the devolution of library services to counties. Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek, who hosted the MPs, welcomed the initiative, while Hon. Nanok highlighted the library’s potential for expansion given its strategic location.

The Kakamega Branch Library was the Committee’s next stop, where members reiterated the need to strengthen public participation through access to parliamentary records. Like other facilities, the library struggles with inadequate funding for maintenance, limited space during peak school holidays, and gaps in ICT services.

The Committee also toured the Kisumu Branch Library, which houses more than 40,000 books and serves an average of 100 students daily. The MPs held discussions with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who described the initiative as noble and timely in strengthening public participation and governance.

Across all visits, lawmakers' noted challenges that cut across including lack of internet connectivity, inadequate funding for maintenance, insufficient space during school holidays, the need for improved staff welfare, and sustaining ICT services.

The Committee pledged to work with county governments and the Kenya National Library Service to secure increased budgetary allocation, improve infrastructure, and ensure that Parliamentary Corners are well-resourced.