Use the national library and the Vtabu virtual library (KNLS)
Kenya National Library Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Walk in to KNLS Maktaba Kuu (Upper Hill), Buruburu or Nakuru. Under 16s get in free; from 16 you pay KSh 20 a day (KSh 25 on eCitizen). For reading online, join Vtabu, the KNLS virtual library, from KSh 20 a day.
- Fee
- KSh 20Daily library access, 16 and overKSh 25Daily access paid on eCitizen (KSh 20 + KSh 5 convenience fee)KSh 20Vtabu virtual library, 1 dayKSh 100Vtabu virtual library, 1 weekKSh 500Vtabu virtual library, 1 monthKSh 1,500Vtabu virtual library, 6 monthsKSh 2,500Vtabu virtual library, 1 year
- Where
- In person at KNLS Maktaba Kuu (Upper Hill, Nairobi), Buruburu and Nakuru; online through Vtabu (vtabu.knls.ac.ke) and KNLS on eCitizen
Steps
- If you are 16 or older, pay the daily access fee on eCitizen using the KNLS Library Access Payment service.
- Go to KNLS Maktaba Kuu (Upper Hill, Nairobi), Buruburu or Nakuru and follow the library rules.
- For group study, book a discussion room at the Information Desk.
- To read online, open Vtabu (vtabu.knls.ac.ke), choose Login/Register and sign in with your eCitizen account, then pick a plan.
Watch out
- Open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
- You can bring your own laptop, but you must check it in and out at the security desk.
- Interlibrary loans are between libraries: your county or institution library borrows from KNLS for you.
Who can apply
- Children under 16 get daily access free
- Anyone 16 or older can get daily access by paying the fee
Official sources (6)
- KNLS Citizen's Service Delivery Charter knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Go Virtual with Vtabu knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Study & Discussion Rooms knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Interlibrary Loans knls.ac.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Kenya National Library Services on eCitizen knls.ecitizen.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026