ROLE OF KENYA NATIONAL ARCHIVES IN PROVIDING ADVISORY SERVICES TO RECORD CREATORS IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Kenya National Archive and Documentation Service was formed through an act of Parliament in 1965 and given the mandate to ensure proper management of all government records due to the crucial role records play in government ministries. Extant literature reveals that despite continued advice, management of records at service delivery points has remained unsatisfactory. This study investigated the role played by the Kenya National Archive and Documentation Service in providing advisory services. The main purpose of the study was to determine the advisory services requirement for record management practices in government ministries and whether they conform with the legal framework .The specific objectives of the study were to: establish the nature of contact the KNADS has with record creators in the ministry; determine the type of advisory services the KNADS provide to the record creators in the ministries; establish the strategies put in place to promote the implementation of the advisory services in ministries; establish the challenges faced by KNADS and ministries in the process of providing advisory services and make recommendations for mitigating the challenges. The study used survey and combined quantitative and qualitative data as a means of triangulating results. The study established that KNADS is performing its advisory role to the satisfaction of data creators in the ministries. As is expected not all participants are satisfied at the same level as evidenced by the 60.5% of respondents being satisfied. This on its own indicate that KNADS still has room for improvement. Much more improvement is required in follow up in monitoring and evaluation to assure full compliance on the part of record creators in implementing advisory services which are anchored in legislation. To the extent that KNADS officials claim the legislations and regulatory framework are not enough, it is necessary to negotiate with legislators in improving these. The extent of professionalism evident in high professional qualification of KNADS office holders make it possible for KNADS to seek and achieve the desired improvements. The study made recommendations on steps that should be taken to improve advisory services and further studies to extend knowledge.