Authors, publishers to deliver their works to Parliament in new Bill

Publishers and authors will soon be required to deposit copies of their published works in Parliament if MPs pass a new bill before them.

The Books and Newspapers (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to make it mandatory for all published works be submitted to Parliament’s library upon request by the Registrar or Clerk of the Senate.

The legislative proposal also applies to the newspapers published within the country.

Currently, the law only compels authors and publishers to deposit their published works including newspapers to the Kenya National Library Services and the Kenya National Archives.

The new proposal thus seeks to expand the legal deposit requirements for published works in Kenya by compelling authors and publishers to submit copies to the Library of Parliament.

The new Bill introduces Parliament as an additional statutory repository.

“The principle object of this Bill is to amend the Books and Newspapers Act, Cap 111 in order to require the deposit of published works in the library of Parliament,” the Bill reads.

“A publisher of a book shall, in addition to the delivery of copies of books under this section submit a digital copy of the book to the Registrar, the Kenya National Library Services, the Kenya National Archives and the Clerk of the Senate.”

If passed, the amendment would require publishers and authors to deposit copies of their works not only for registration purposes but also for reference and archival use by lawmakers.

The Bill sponsored by Turkana West MP Daniel Nanok cites South Korea, Indonesia and South Africa as some of the countries that have adopted the practice.

“Many Parliament libraries in the world also serve as national libraries,” said Nanok, who also chairs the National Assembly’s Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library.

He said the proposed changes are intended to enhance access to local research, literature and historical records by legislators, thereby improving the quality of debate, lawmaking and oversight.

The sponsor also argues that a well-stocked Parliamentary Library would strengthen evidence-based policymaking and preserve Kenya’s intellectual output within the legislature.

“A legal deposit system at Parliament is important as it operates an instrument to gather permanent record of the nation’s published works influencing the thoughts, aspirations and discoveries of successive ages,” Nanok said.

According to the proposal, publishers will have to do the submission not late than one year after publication of the book, deliver copies not exceeding three in number to the Registrar or the Clerk of the Senate.

“Upon receipt of a copy of a book under this section, the Clerk of the Senate shall acknowledge receipt in writing to the publisher,” the Bill proposes.

The publisher or the author will bear the cost of delivery, according to the Bill.

However, the proposal is likely to spark debate among publishers and authors, some of whom have previously raised concerns about the cost and administrative burden of multiple mandatory deposits.

The Bill is expected to be tabled for debate in the National Assembly when the House resumes sittings in February after the long holiday.

Lawmakers will consider whether the expanded deposit requirement strikes the right balance between public interest, legislative needs and the concerns of the publishing industry

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The legislative proposal is likely to spark debate among publishers and authors, some of whom have previously raised concerns about the cost and administrative burden of multiple mandatory deposits