The National Assembly Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library has embarked on a tour of public libraries to assess opportunities for setting up Parliamentary Corners, an initiative aimed at enhancing civic education, public participation, and access to legislative information.
Members of the committee this week visited Eldoret Branch Library in Uasin Gishu County, which was vandalised and burnt during the June 2024 protests.
While inspecting the damaged facility and the site of the new library, the legislators discussed with Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim and county officials the potential for rebuilding the library to include a Parliamentary Corner.
Governor Chelilim revealed that plans are already underway to reconstruct the library into a modern, multipurpose hub.
“We are envisioning a facility that will host a youth innovation centre and an amphitheatre. This collaboration with Parliament will revitalise our libraries and turn them into centres of civic dialogue and learning,” he said.
Committee Chairperson, MP Daniel Nanok emphasised that libraries are an untapped resource for promoting transparency and accountability.
“Libraries are trusted community hubs. By setting up Parliamentary Corners, citizens will have direct access to parliamentary documents and reports, which will foster accountability, civic education, and public awareness,” he noted.
The Chief Librarian in Uasin Gishu described the proposal as “an eye opener”, saying the inclusion of parliamentary materials would demystify Parliament and empower young people to learn about governance.
“Many students and civil society groups often ask for parliamentary documents. Having a dedicated corner within county libraries will meet that demand and bring Parliament closer to the people,” she said.
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Committee Members also visited Lagam Branch Library in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where the team, led by Committee Chairperson, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek before inspecting the facility.
The library, which attracts about 200 readers daily, has struggled with incomplete infrastructure and loss of internet services since library management was devolved to county governments under the 2010 Constitution.
MP Nanok said the Lagam facility’s location and terrain made it a strategic site for the initiative.
“We are here as part of plans to inform people about Parliamentary spaces in public libraries. This will ensure citizens, especially in remote areas, can easily access official documents, reports, and legislative materials,” he said.
Area MP Timothy Torotich, underscored the significance of the visit.
“This is the first Parliament Committee to visit the Chesongoch area. This is a testament to peace and stability in Kerio Valley sub county and we would like to thank the government for restoring peace and security in this area,” he said
The Committee’s broader plan is to roll out Parliamentary Corners in several counties.
According to the Committee, the initiative will leverage existing library infrastructure, making it cost-effective. Public libraries, the Committee argues, are already established as community hubs and therefore provide an ideal platform to expand Parliament’s visibility at the grassroots.
“Our ultimate goal is to make Parliament accessible to every Kenyan, not just in Nairobi. We want people to understand that parliamentary processes belong to them and that they have a role to play,” Nanok said.
