Records Management and Access to Information: Key to Fostering Accountability, Good Governance and Protection of Human Rights in Tanzania

Abstract

This article discusses the role of records in fostering accountability,
good governance and the protection of human rights. The article
addresses the inter-relationships between recordkeeping, accountability,
good governance and the protection of human rights. It explores
the issues of access to information contained in records and its role in
the protection of human rights. The article also underscores the role
of records management in the implementation of public service
reform programmes in Tanzania and the role of the National Archives
of Tanzania in promoting public accountability. The article noted that
the absence of a records management policy and an access to
information law in Tanzania has affected the records management
practices and access to information. The article also established that
due to lack of an access to information law, Tanzanian government
ministries, and departments do not feel legally obliged to give citizens
access to the vital information they hold. The article proposes a way
forward which includes strengthening the records management practices,
promotion of access to information laws and training of records
management staff in the public service in Tanzania.