Digitization of records at the Kenya national archives and documentation services Nairobi.

Abstract

The study investigated on the records digitization at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services and the specific objectives were, to establish the activities involved in records digitization at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services,determine the technologies used to digitize the records at the National Archives, to find out the staffs involved in the digitization process and their qualifications, to find out the challenges encountered during records digitization at the Kenya National Archives and the general objectives were to establish the processes, technology and procedures involved in the records digitization at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation and propose possible recommendations. Also the study aimed at establishing the activities involved in the records digitization the staffs who carry out the digitization process and the challenges encountered in the process of records digitization. The study targeted the staff and the objectives that guided the researcher in investigating the impact of digitization of records at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services. The method that was used for population sampling was purposive random sampling to enable the researcher to get the representation of employees from different categories. A sample size of twenty (20) employees was selected. The researcher used non – participatory observation and interviews method as data collection tools for the study. The study revealed that there was a policy but general policy and no specific for records digitization process but just guidelines for records digitization. The study also revealed that the paper based records were commonly used. . The data collected was analyzed and presented in form of, tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study recommended that the top level management to set a budgetary fund that will sustain the digitization demands. It also recommended the recruitment of adequate (professionals) ICT officers and record management officers who have specialized skills in records digitization and ensure that all staffs are trained on records digitization.