A framework for devolution of records management to county governments in Kenya

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This paper assesses the devolution of records management to county governments to develop a suitable framework.

Methodology – The study was conducted with an interpretivist stance and a qualitative approach. A multiple-case research design was found appropriate for the study. A sample size of 43 was obtained at the saturation point. Interviews, observation, and documentary analysis were used for collection.

Findings – The devolution process resulted in the closure and transfer of records of devolved functions. However, Kenya lacked criteria on closure and transfer for managing such records leading to an absence of requisite resources for managing the records at the counties. Kenya’s Constitution of 2010 does not require the devolution of the State’s responsibility for archives from the central government to the 47 county governments. The counties cannot, as a result, each establish and maintain their archives infrastructure. Despite these challenges, properly devolving records management to county governments would offer Kenya a wide array of opportunities to realise its goal of developmental cooperative devolution.

Implications – This study proposes a framework that governments can apply to execute a seamless devolution of the records management function from the national to the county governments.

Originality – This was an original study conducted as part of a doctoral degree thesis. No study known to the author has explored the issues under study.