The government is set to equip national libraries with the latest books in all academic fields.
The program will seek to replace old books that have been overtaken by events in terms of syllabus changes.
Sam Nyangweso, the Kenya National Library chairman, said on Monday during an impromptu visit to Kisii National Library that the government had set aside Sh500 million that will be used to purchase new reading materials and research books that will be dispatched to all national libraries in the country.
He said the move was precipitated by the large number of people visiting the facilities to acquire information and knowledge.
“I want to categorically say that we have set aside Sh500 million that will be used to equip our libraries with new arrivals and other books due to change of syllabus. The number of people also visiting our national library is rising steadily from the figures I have collected. We therefore have to increase the materials to confirm with demand,” he said.
Nyangweso said the exercise will commence in January 2016 and will be expected to cover all national libraries across the country by May, the same year.
“I am not expecting it to take long because we have been in touch with Kenya Institute of Education and Curriculum Development. Hopefully we will start by January and finish in May 2016,” he added.
He warned lazy staff members against reporting late to work and leaving early saying they risked losing their jobs.
“You have to be in the office early and leave at the stipulated time. Those who are fond of violating the set principles will be sacked because we want efficiency,” he added.