A framework for e-records in support of e-government implementation in the Tanzanian public service

Abstract

Effective e-records management is considered an integral part for successful implementation of e-government. While many previous studies have been conducted on e-government implementation in Tanzania, only a few investigated the importance of e-records in supporting successful implementation of e-government in the country. As such, this paper tries to cover this gap as it investigated a framework for e-records management in support of e-government in the Tanzania public service. The study used the International Records Management Trust (IRMT) E-records Readiness Tool (2009) and World Bank E-government Handbook for Developing Countries (2002) as the theoretical framework. Data were collected through interviews and personal observation and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that although there is evidence of availability and use of e-records across government institutions in Tanzania, the e-records readiness and efficiency levels in support of e-government were low. In addition, the study established that despite the government's efforts to embrace ICT tools across the public service, the management of e-records is not yet streamlined to the majority registries. Similarly, the existing legislation, policies and regulations are inadequate and ineffective particularly on matters relating to e-records management and e-government implementation. Further, this study revealed that records personnel, action officers and IT staff were not conversant with procedures and practices of e-records management and had inadequate knowledge and skills pertaining to e-records and its related systems. The study has recommended a framework for effective management of e-records in support of e-government implementation.