TANZANIA'S 2002 RECORDS AND ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT ACT: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Abstract

The paper critically assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Tanzania's Records and Archives Management Act of 2002. The Act repeals the 1931 Records Disposal Ordinance 9 (Cap.9), the 1965 National Archives Act no. 33 and the Presidential Circular no.7 of 1963 on the Care and Disposal of Public Records. It argues that the Act is progressive and if effectively implemented can improve the management of and access to public records in Tanzania. However, some critical areas that need serious revisiting include supporting the Act with adequate resources, training, provisions on electronic records and records created by Union Government. The paper recommends facilitation of ample resources, training on the Act, reduction of power of director of the Records and Archives Management Division, inclusion of provisions on electronic records, provisions for the records created by the Union Government and, reduction of 30 year period for access to some of the records.


University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal: 2003 4(1&2): 75-89