The National Assembly has invited public submissions on the Books and Newspapers (Amendment) Bill, 2025, currently before the House.
The Bill, sponsored by Daniel Epuyo Nanok, seeks to amend the Books and Newspapers Act, Cap 111, to require the deposit of published works in Parliament’s library, with Clerk Samuel Njoroge confirming that memoranda must be submitted by February 27, 2026.
In a public notice issued under Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution, the Clerk stated that Parliament is required to “facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other business of Parliament and its Committees.”
The notice further cites Standing Order 127(3), which obligates House Committees considering Bills to facilitate public participation.
The Books and Newspapers (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 47 of 2025) was read a First Time on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and subsequently referred to the Select Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library for consideration and reporting back to the House.
“It is notified that the Books and Newspapers (Amendment) Bill… seeks to amend the Books and Newspaper Act, Cap 111, in order to require the deposit of published works in the library of Parliament,” the notice reads.
The proposed amendment is expected to strengthen Parliament’s archival and research capacity by ensuring that published materials are formally deposited and preserved within its library system.
Members of the public and stakeholders have been urged to submit their memoranda to the Select Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library. Submissions should be addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly and can be delivered physically to the Office of the Clerk at the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or sent via email.
“NOW THEREFORE, in compliance with Articles 118(1)(b) and the National Assembly Standing Order 127(3), the Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites members of the public and stakeholders to submit memoranda on the Bill,” the statement read in part.
Copies of the Bill are available at the National Assembly Table Office and on Parliament’s website. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
