The role of records management in promoting business efficiency and service delivery at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study carried out in 2007. The aim of the study was to assess the different aspects of records management at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The study population constituted; 136 officers, 36 records management staff and seven heads of departments (HODs) from KPA. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and observation. The key findings of the study established that KPA as the study organization has inefficient records management practices. Among the recommendations of the study were that; KPA should streamline its records management practices and there was need for acquisition of appropriate resources for implementation of the records management programme. It is suggested that further research should be carried out in other parastatals in developed and developing countries with the purpose of comparing them with this study and secondly, research can also be carried out to assess records management in private or non governmental organisations in Kenya.  This will help to compare the state of records management in a government based organisation and from the private organisation.