Kenya's Parliament is set to take on a new role as the custodian of the country's published books, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The proposed legislative changes, outlined in a report from Eastleigh Voice, require publishers to submit digital copies of their books to the Registrar of Books and Newspapers, a division of the Kenya National Library. This initiative aims to create a centralized digital archive, making historical and contemporary publications more accessible to researchers and the public.
The move follows growing concerns about the loss of printed materials due to aging and limited storage. By mandating digital submissions, the government hopes to safeguard Kenya's literary heritage and support academic and cultural research. The Kenya National Library has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the policy, which will apply to all publishers operating within the country.
This development comes as part of broader efforts to modernize Kenya's information management systems. The legislation also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of digital preservation in an era where physical books are increasingly at risk. While the exact timeline for full implementation remains under discussion, the policy marks a significant step toward ensuring that Kenya's published works remain available for future study and reference.
