Get an ISBN for your book and deposit copies with KNLS
Kenya National Library Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Create an account on the ISBN Manager (isbn.ac.ke), fill in your publisher details, buy the ISBNs you need and they are emailed to you, usually within 24 hours. A single ISBN costs KSh 1,500. After you publish, deposit 2 copies with KNLS within 14 days.
- Fee
- KSh 1,500Single ISBNKSh 10,000Batch of 10 ISBNsKSh 50,000Batch of 100 ISBNsKSh 100,000Batch of 1,000 ISBNs
- How long
- Within 24 hours once all details are filled in correctly
- Where
- Online on the ISBN Manager (isbn.ac.ke); deposit copies in person at KNLS Maktaba Kuu (Upper Hill), Buruburu or Nakuru
Steps
- Go to the ISBN Manager at isbn.ac.ke and sign up with an email address, username and password, then verify your email.
- Fill in all required fields under My Info and Publisher Info.
- Open ISBN Products, add the number of ISBNs you need to the cart, choose how to pay and pay.
- Your ISBN is sent to the email address you gave.
- Within 14 days of publishing, take 2 copies of the book to KNLS at Maktaba Kuu (Upper Hill), Buruburu Library or Nakuru Library.
Watch out
- Every edition and format needs its own ISBN: hardcover, paperback and e-book each get a different number.
- You must use up the ISBNs you already have before you can buy more.
- Legal deposit is mandatory for every publisher, including self-published authors, and e-books count too.
Who can apply
- Authors and publishers publishing in Kenya, including self-published authors
- Self-publishing authors fill in the publisher details using their own personal details
Official sources (6)
- Issuance of ISBN knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- ISBN FAQ's knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Legal Deposit knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- KNLS Citizen's Service Delivery Charter knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- ISBN Manager isbn.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026