ASSESSMENT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN MASENO UNIVERSITY REGISTRIES, KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA BUORO PHILEMONE OTIENO REG: NO. E107/OL/KKA/32245/2016 0722345388 A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTERS IN RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND ARCHIVES ADMINISTRATION, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, KENYATTA UNIVERSITY. MARCH, 2021 DECLARATION I confirm that this proposal is my original work and has not been submitted for certification to any other university / institution. This research proposal has been complemented by referenced sources duly acknowledged. Where text, data (including spoken words), graphics, pictures or tables have been borrowed from other works, including the internet, these are specifically accredited and references cited using current APA system and in accordance with anti-plagiarism regulations. Signature: ____________________________ Date: _________________ Buoro, Philemone Otieno E107/OL/KKA/32245/2016 Supervisor’s Declaration This proposal has been submitted for appraisal with my approval as University supervisor. Signature………………………………… Date………………………………… Dr. Milkah Mathu, Lecturer Department of Library and Information Science Kenyatta University i DEDICATION I dedicate this work to Almighty God for being faithful to me in my academic journey, my loving children (Wayne, Valerie and Ian), dear Parents, Mother Mary A. Buoro and the late Mr. James Buoro Odipo who gave and sustained in me the strength of hard work and resilience so vital in the accomplishment of this goal; and to my wife Perez A. Gumbe and friends for their support. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I express my sincere appreciation to Almighty God for His grace, blessings and granting me good health during the development of this proposal. I give gratitude for invaluable assistance offered by my supervisor, Dr. Milkah Mathu who has consistently given me guidance and advice during the entire period of proposal development. I thank Maseno University for great cooperation and the assistance they offered, enabling me to collect relevant data. I also acknowledge my friends and colleagues who have motivated me to continue doing the work despite the challenges encountered during the proposal development period. Lastly, I give thanks to my family for enduring my long absence as I spend more time in the library developing this proposal. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS. DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i DEDICATION ................................................................................................................................ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................... iii ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ...................................................... 1 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the Study........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................................. 5 1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 6 1.6 Significance of the Study. ......................................................................................................... 6 1.7 Limitation and Delimitation of the Study ................................................................................. 7 1.7.1 Limitation of the Study .......................................................................................................... 7 1.7.2 Delimitations of the Study ..................................................................................................... 7 1.8 Assumptions of the Study ......................................................................................................... 7 1.9 Theoretical framework .............................................................................................................. 8 1.10 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................... 8 iv 1.11 Operational Definition of Terms ........................................................................................... 11 CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................... 12 REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE ........................................................................... 12 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 12 2.4.1 Records Creation .................................................................................................................. 18 2.4.4 Electronic Record Management System .............................................................................. 20 2.5.1 Staff Capacity Building........................................................................................................ 22 2.5.2 Funding ................................................................................................................................ 24 2.6 How Challenges in Record Management Practices hinder Effective Service Delivery ......... 27 2.7 Summary and Research Gaps ................................................................................................. 29 CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 31 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY ........................................................................ 31 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 31 3.2 Research Design...................................................................................................................... 31 3.3 Location of the Study .............................................................................................................. 32 3.4 Target Population .................................................................................................................... 32 3.5 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size .................................................................................. 32 3.5.1 Sampling Techniques ........................................................................................................... 32 3.5.2 Sample Size.......................................................................................................................... 33 v 3.5.3 Sampling Frame for registry supervisors and clerks…….………………………………...34 3.6 Research instruments .............................................................................................................. 35 3.6.1 Questionnaires...................................................................................................................... 34 3.6.2 Interview schedules for Registry Staff ................................................................................. 35 3.7 Piloting Study.......................................................................................................................... 35 3.7.1 Validity of Research Instruments......................................................................................... 35 3.7.2 Reliability of Research Instruments ..................................................................................... 36 3.8 Data Collection Procedure ...................................................................................................... 36 3.9 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 36 3.10 Logistical and Ethical Considerations .................................................................................. 37 APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER ................................................................................ 49 APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR REGISTRY CLERKS ............................................... 48 APPENDIX III: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR REGISTRY SUPEVISORS ......................... 54 WORK PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 568 APPENDIX V: BUDGET........................................................................................................... 579 vi LISTS OF TABLES Table 3.1: Target Population………………………………………………………………..33 Table: 3.2 Sampling Frame for registry suprvisors and clerks…………….. ………………34 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………….10 viii ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS APA : American Psychological Association DRM: Digital Records Management ERM: Electronic Records Management ICT: Information and Communication Technology IRMT: International Records Management Trust ISO: International Standardisation Organisation KNADS: Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service MMUST: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology NACOSTI: National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation RIM: Records and Information Management RM: Records Management SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences UNESCO: United Nations, Scientific and Cultural Organization ix ABSTRACT The study seeks to assess the extent to which records management practices will promote the effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery in Maseno University. The high incidence of poor service delivery in public institutions due to poor records management practices have necessitated the need or thi study to improve recordkeeping processes and implementation of various records management systems that will improve on service delivery. Data will be collected from ….27 respondents who will comprise registry supervisors and clerks. Structured questionnaires and interview schedule will be used to collect data. Qualitative technique will be largely used to analyse the data. Quantitative technique will also be used to quantify the research problem by generating numerical data that will be transformed into useable statistics. The literature review upholds that an effective records management programme anchors on a written records management policies, standards and procedures that include records creation, control of records, records storage, records retention and disposition, management of records, and managing their access. A records management policy would entail training of registry staff on simple records management standards and procedures in order to improve on eficient access to ensure the expected service delivery. The study will be guided by the following objectives; to determine the effects of record management practices policy framework on service delivery in Maseno University Registries; to establish the existing records management practices adopted for effective service delivery in Maseno University Registries; to examine how the available resources affect service delivery in Maseno University Registries; and to establish how the challenges experienced in record management practices affect implementation of effective service delivery in Maseno University Registries. A descriptive research design will be adopted in the study. The target population for this study will be...staff members. A simple random sampling technique will be used to select the study respondents who comprise the registry staff. Questionnaires and interview schedules will be used as data collection instruments. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of relevant computer software such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings will be presented graphically as well as in tabular form. x CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 1.1 Introduction This chapter presents the background of the study, the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study and the objectives of the study. The chapter also presents the research questions that the study seeks to answer, the significance of the study, limitation and delimitation of the study as well as the assumptions of the study. Lastly, the chapter presents the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and operational definition of terms as will be used in the study. 1.2 Background to the Study Maseno University is a public learning, teaching, research and community development institution, that carry out activities such as producing records, which provide evidence of the University’s statutory functions. According to Sherperd (2006) a record is a recorded evidence of an activity that is of an action undertaken by an individual or a work group in the course of their business which results in a definable outcome. Records management is concerned with the generation, receipt,processing, storage, retrieval, distribution, usage, and retirement of records (New South Whales 1998:1). It encompasses awide variety off activities and sub-disciplines , suach as the management of mail, correspondence, reports, copies, forms and directives. Records management is an essential component of office administration. An effective records management programme allows the organization to render better customer service, provides legal defensibility and leads to improved profitability. Hence, it is necessary to award high priority to records management to avoid organizational challenges that may arise owing to poor handling of office records (Robles & Langemo, 2016). As much as people try to deny it, office organization has a distinct link with productivity. The quicker an organization can locate a file or important legal document, the more productive it will be (Peters, 2011). Records management 1 involves the incorporation of various practices aimed at proper information management. It also entails the systematic control of all records an organization maintains during the course of their life cycle for the attainment of operational business needs, fiscal and statutory requirements, as well as, the expectation of stakeholders (The National Archives of Scotland, 2013). Records management practices entails policies, procedures; best practise standards or benchmarks set to ensure those in charge of records adhere to them. Hase and Galt (2011) highlights that good records management practices are essential to organizational effectiveness; further adding the subsequent factors that relate to organizational effectiveness as enhanced due to good records management; risk reduction, loss of credibility that suffers when paper trails are not easily accessible, continuity of organizational knowledge, improved customer services due to quick access of information, reduction of costs associated with inefficiency and inconsistency for example duplication, reduction of operating costs through determining who is the “owner” of documentation, and thus enabling the destruction of duplicate files and working documents. In Asian countries such as Malaysia within the 1990s, there was a desire to produce skilled education for records managers to be well-prepared to steer and direct records management services. Records management has been affected by various malpractices in many African countries, (Khayundi, 2018; Ojedokun, 2018; Kanzi, 2016). Cases of missing files and documents have been reported in public offices indicating poor management of records (Khayundi, 2018). A study carried out by Mampe and Kalusopa (2012) established that records management practices at the Ministry of Health in Botswana were not well entrenched and thus undermined the best practices in service delivery. The study established absence of awareness and existence of records management policy, lack of security and preservation measures and rampant issues of missing files, folios, and torn folders as rampant malpractices. Mampe and Kalusopa (2012) also observed that poor storage of health records affected the provision of health services in Swaziland. Patients were entrusted to keep and safeguard their medical records 2 at home and carry them whenever they needed to seek medical attention from government hospitals. The low levels of skills and training in records management grossly affected service delivery. In the 1950s to 1960s, records management facilities began to emerge in Ghana. In Namibia (Nengomasha, 2009), reported that almost all of the records keeping personnel in Namibia’s public sector had no formal education in records management. In Tanzania the society does not trust the government in offering them efficient services and it was very for difficult or citizens to access information from public offices, Barata and Cain, (2015). The public service in Tanzania maintains a culture of secrecy that denies citizens the right to access information. A number of studies by Asogwa (2012), Ngulube and Tafor (2016) indicate that due to inadequate records accommodation facilities, police officers in Uganda have resulted in keeping records in sacks making retrieval very difficult. Such storage conditions are prerequisite to corruption because where retrieval of records is impossible; the citizens get tempted to compromise the officers in order to have their files produced. In Kenya, apart from a few institutions that have functional records management programmes, most organisations do not have a well established practice in records management. Professional records management practice has been neglected for a long time. Studies so far conducted reveals that poor records management practices have negatively affected service delivery within the public sector (Kemoni & Ngulube 2008; Ndambuki 2015; Oyaro 2013 cited in East African Journal volume 37, 2018). Muriu (2012) noted in his thesis that in Kenya, a key aspect of local government reform started in the late 1990s with the concern to improve local service delivery by, among other means, institutionalizing citizen’s voice in decision making. This came against a background of poor performance in service delivery, huge debt burdens, and gross mismanagement of resources in Local Authorities (LAs). The management of public records in Kenya is administered by the general public Archives and Documentation Service Act, Cap 19, 1965 (Revised 2003) of the laws of Kenya. In August 2010, the Republic of Kenya enacted a new constitution that led to establishment of Access to freedom of information Act of 2010 (Constitution of Kenya, 2010). In combination with this, many rules, regulations and circulars are issued to handle effective management of records. 3 Maseno University practices hybrid systems wherever electronic and paper systems are maintained. There is a definite treatment between paper-based and electronic records as the paper-based records typically would be below the management of registry system or file units whereas electronic records are unbroken either by non-public creator or the IT division. The success of registry system is dependent upon an effective records management practices. It follows then that the value of information and the power it has, may determine the manner in which the business activities of Maseno University are conducted. Consequently, this study will be to assess how records management practices policy framework impacts on service delivery, examine the extent to which records management practices adopted influence service delivery, how the available resources have an effect on service delivery and ascertain how the challenges of records management practices affects service delivery at Maseno University, Kenya. 1.3 Statement of the Problem The operation in a registry needs to flow in a systematic manner and to be accountable of any record under its custody. Records are a vital asset in ensuring that an institution is run effectively and efficiently, and are accountable to its staff and the community that they serve. An organization with a solid foundation of proven successful records management practices will: preserve the right information for the correct length of time, meet legal requirements faster and more cost effectively, control and manage records management storage and destruction, archive vital information for business continuity and disaster recovery, provide information in a timely and efficient manner regardless of urgency of request, use technology to manage and improve the records management programme, integrate policies and procedures throughout organization, establish ownership and accountability of the records management program, and arrange for continuous training. The level at which records are accumulating put a lot of strain on the records management system, leading to poor records management practices which affect the provision of quality services in a University. Maseno University, like other organisations generate records in the course of their business activities and transactions. Coupled with the expansions of Maseno University, in terms of units, departments and schools, it may have generated massive records. It therefore calls for a lot of hard work and efforts to master this work as records helps in decision making which are as well characterized by legal, financial and evidential value which must be managed well by assuring that information retains its integrity. 4 The demand for appropriate, adequate and timely information for service delivery in management decision may appear to be expanding at an unprecedented rate, and so, could be the institution’s problems of designing, administration, organization, monitoring and control. Poor management of records can lead to difficulties in retrieval of information, with volumes of records clogging up office space. Such a situation may undermine the effectiveness, accountability, and efficiency of the organization’s functions, leading to poor decision making, corruption, fraud, and abuse of the rights of the citizen (Sichalwe, Ngulube & Stiwell, 2011). Furthermore, Maseno University may have many instances whereby records maybe reported to be misplaced or missing thus raising questions as to how records are managed, what system and policies are used in terms of records management. Conseuently the University administrators would find it difficult to retrieve the information they need to meet its mandate and monitor quality policy statement, formulate, implement and to manage key personnel and financial resources, thus negatively affecting the delivery of services to its stakeholders. It is against this background that prompted the researcher to carry out an assessment of the records management practices for the effective service delivery in Maseno university academic registries. 1.4 Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to evaluate how records management practices impacts on effective service delivery in Maseno University Registries. 1.5 Objectives of the Study i. To determine the effect of record management practices policy framework on service delivery in Maseno University registries. ii. To establish the adopted records management practices for effective service delivery in Maseno University registries. iii. To examine how the available resources in records management practices affect service delivery in Maseno University registries. iv. To ascertain how the challenges in record management practices affects implementation of effective service delivery in Maseno University registries. 5 1.6 Research Questions i. What is the effect of record management practices policy framework on service delivery in Maseno University registries? ii. What are the adopted records management practices for effective service delivery in Maseno University registries? iii. How do the available resources for record management practices affect service delivery in Maseno University registries? iv. How do the record management practices challenges affect service delivery in Maseno University registries? 1.7 Significance of the Study. It is hoped that the findings of this study will help in creating awareness of the necessity to determine efficient records management practices which will support efficiency, equity, accountability and cost effectiveness within the provision of improved services. The findings of this study will facilitate the management on its endevours to sensitize the administrative staff on the importance of effective records management practices within the university; it will be a sort of additional guide to the University management to re-adjust in order to be stable in the competitive market. This study will be of great importance to academicians, scholars and future researchers who may be curious about related areas because it forms basis for more research. It will act as a parameter and reference in their subsequent works. The research findings may be of benefit to the policy makers within the public sector who are tasked with the formulation of polices; providing insights into the contribution of records management on organizational performance. Practically, the outcomes will inform various stakeholders such as the management and staff working in the registry of the management practices in critical institution concerning the essence of a records organizational operations, including management. Theoretically, the study findings will augment the body of knowledge by contributing to the literature on the significance of records management practices in organizational administration. 6 1.8 Limitation and Delimitation of the Study 1.8.1 Limitation of the Study The study is going to be restricted to records management practices within the registries of administrative and registry staff of the University. Some respondents with specialty in ICT, secretarial and business management and so on, may be limited in their understanding of the concept of professional records management. Some respondents may be uncomfortable filling questionnaires for the safety of their positions. The researcher could have difficulty in retrieval of administered questionnaires and willingness of prospective respondents to answer questionnaire. Some respondents may be absent or will not cooperate and therefore this may negatively impact on the response rates provided hence unreliable data maybe collected. 1.8.2 Delimitations of the Study The study will confine itself to the registries located in Maseno University about 25 Km from Kisumu City at the main campus on Kisumu-Busia road, in Kisumu County, Kenya and will not include other registries of other schools and campuses of Maseno University. 1.9 Assumptions of the Study The study will be based on the assumptions that; 1. Records are the basis for accountability and effective services delivery in Maseno University registries. 2. Maseno University has a well established records registries with functional policies on good records management practices in place. 3. Records are effectively managed as a strategic resource and records management policies are not adhered to. 4. Adequate resources are available for effective records management practices to enhance the service delivery level within the records registries. 5. There will be cooperation from staff and management in responding to questions 7 1.10 Theoretical framework According to Ngulube (2003), most organizations fail to base their records management practices on existing theories of records management. In the management of records, the principles that guide investigation of researchers into issues, challenges or concepts are determined by records management theories (Nengomasha, 2009). One scholar once observed that the theory’s aim is to deliver a model with which to comprehend records and recordkeeping processes, regardless of form and of situation, and from which practices for recordkeeping in digital environments could also be developed. The study will be guided by… the National Archives of Australia Records Management Model that is based on the Australian Standard AS ISO 15489 2002. The State Records of South Australia (2001) notes that as ISO 15489 (2002) provides guidance on managing records in both public and private organizations to ensure that an organization’s systems create, capture and maintain records. The Standard applies to the management of records in all formats or media, created or received in the conduct of an organization’s activities, and provides instruction on the design and implementationof a record system. Notable key elements are; record-creation to archives; planned management of official records; designing and implementing a records system; recordkeeping metadata; creating, capturing, classifying, storing, finding and managing access to official records; appraisal, and disposal of records; records management policies, procedures and practices; records management training; and disaster management. The study will borrow this model as its suitable and investigates how records are managed in their active life. This Model considers the use, management and contribution of sound records management in supporting the administration of justice. Thus, the theoretical base of the model is the records life-cycle and records continuum approaches. 1.11 Conceptual Framework Smyth (2004) defines conceptual framework as a group of broad ideas taken from relevant fields of enquiry, intended to help a researcher to develop awareness and understanding of the circumstances under scrutiny and to converse. It also aims at helping organise the researcher,s thoughts and explains the relationship among interlinked ideas. Records management is an important factor in an organization especially regarding organizational administration. It is through an institution’s records that its management can have a track of the organization’s activities and future plans. Records Management practices are systems that ought to be there to support the effective services delivery. The quality of the institution’s records management programme should determine an effective service delivery. According to this study the Independent variables comprise records management practices, policy and legal framework and available resources. An independent variable is the element that is manipulated to observe its 8 effect on the dependent variable. For instance, creation of policies and procedures to guide records management processes that can be applied uniformly and consistently across the institution. The policies should as well address both electronic and physical records. Policy and legal framework is crucial as it help in determining who needs to access what and the rights and privileges on delivery of effective services. It’s also significant in ensuring that legal issues are adhered to for instance when developing records retention and disposition schedules. Available resources is another important aspect in enhancing the implementation of effective services. Available resources analysis has to be undertaken in order to establish the adequacy of the resources towards available capacity in the institution records management system. If available resources analysis is not done appropriately, then the failure of implementing an effective records management system is likely to increase in an institution. For instance, the necessary equipment or facility for supporting records management practices, record management professionals among others. Intervening variable are those measures which are likely to affect the implementation of records management practices in Maseno Universit such as; ICT infrastructures, available resources, government legal requirements, management support, records management procedures and Trained personnel. Appropriate training of personnel has to be undertaking before implementation an effective records management system. This is critical as it prepares the implementors psychologically consequently initiating acceptance and limiting resistance to change among them. The consequence of implemention of records management practices to registry users would basically to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of services. This will include, effective service delivery, for instance in accountability, auditing processes, effective management, easy retrieval, fast accessibility of records, easy tracking and administration procedures. 9 Independent variables Dependent variables Records Management Practices Policy & legal Framework Available Resources Government legal requirements Records management procedures/ Management support Trained personnelVariable Intervening Implementation of Effective Service Delivery; Accountability Auditing processes Effective Management Easy retrieval Fast accessibility Easy tracking & Administration procedures Available resources ICT services Figure 1.1: Conceptual Framework Model of Records Management Practices Source: Researcher (2021) However, there are other intervening variables; thus review both independent and dependent variables that can affect the relationship between records management on policy and legal framework including; the availability of resources, availability of ICT infrastrutre, management support, and employee engagement. 10 1.12 Operational Definition of Terms This section defines key terms utilized in the research that are not utilized in conventional manner. Electronic Record: Any combination of text, graphics, data, audio, pictorial or other information representation in digital form that is created, modified, maintained, archived, retrieved, or distributed by a computer system in Maseno University. Information System: computer systems used for the management of electronic and nonelectronic records contained in an information technology using computer hardware and software Records: Recorded information kept, in any form, created or received and maintained by Maseno University in pursuance of legal obligations or in the transaction of business and kept as evidence of such activity. Recordkeeping: Making and maintaining complete, accurate and reliable evidence of official business in the form of recorded information. Recordkeeping System: ISO 15489, defines it as “an information system, which captures, manages, and provides access to records through time.” Records Management: Field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition of records, including processes for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records. (ISO15489) Records Management Practices: Practcies that ensures proper records creation, control of records, records storage, records retention and disposition, management of electronic records, and managing their access Service Delivery: is the designing and provision of records management services to the members of the university / public 11 CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction This chapter will present a review of related contribution of other scholars who have researched and published on research topic in Kenya and the world about assessment of records management practices for effective service delivery. The literature review is organized based on the objectives of the study that covers; effects of record management practices policy framework on service delivery in Maseno University registries, existing records management practices adopted for effective service delivery in Maseno University registries, the available resources in the registries and how they affect service delivery in Maseno University registries, the challenges in record management practices and how they affect implementation of effective service delivery in Maseno University. 2.2 Overview of Records Management Practices in Organizations Records management refers to the whole range of activities which an organization should perform to properly manage its records. The key activities include setting records management policy, assigning responsibilities, establishing and promulgating procedures and guidelines, as well as designing, implementing and administering recordkeeping systems. Records management practices include the processes of records creation, control of records, records storage, records retention and disposition, management of electronic records, and managing their access ans use. Records management practices are vital to every organization, aiding in the achievement of certain goals set by the founders of that organization from the conceptualization of that business. Records management occupies a strategic position in the efficient and effective management of public institutions. All types of organizations create records in their daily activities. Government institutions in the course of doing business also create a variety of records. Within an organization records are either created internally or externally. Good records management (RM) not only helps protect records but also enhances an organisation’s operational efficiency while minimising costs. 12 The contemporary changes in management of records have not changed the purpose of records in institutions even under an ICT environment. Organizations still creates records to support daily activities and for future references. Since the development in writing, individuals have been keeping records in different forms. Inventions since the ancient man to date have changed the way in which individuals and organizations manage records hence bringing an impact in records management. The organization of records has progressed from the paperbased records to electronic records in different media. According to Kemoni & Wamukoya (2000), the use of computer based system for the management of records developed globally in 1950s, thus leading to increased speed in retrieval, diversity and flexibility in information management. Today volumes of records are created in electronic or converted to electronic format than ever before. Regardless of their formats, they still need to be properly managed by their organizations due to their value. Therefore, proper records management practices right from creation maintenance and ultimate disposal makes records a vital asset. However, poor records management practices reduce efficiency, effectiveness and increase costs in organizations. 2.3 Effect of record management practices policy framework on service delivery Over the years, records management practices have proven effective in most situations (Duffy 2000). An effective records management programme allows the organization to render better customer service, provides legal defensibility and leads to improved profitability. Given that an institution’s records are unique to it, they need to be managed explicitly, just as the organization would manage its other resources (people, money and estate). Adherence to these should be continuously monitored and be reviewed on an annual basis. Duffy (2000) further states that there should be records management procedures to serve as a guide to employees. He also adds that there is need for records classification system to facilitate efficient retrieval and disposal of records, as well as training of records managers and records office staff to equip them with the necessary skills to carry out their functions properly. The timely and accurate retrieval of records depends largely on how well organized and classified the records are. As a result, records classification systems should reflect the business activities of the organizations. 13 Records management policies provide guidelines on the importance of proper records management in meeting the objectives on an organization (IRMT, 2009). IRMT (2009), further argues that policies are only relevant while used. Organization should not only develop records management policies but should also provide mechanisms to ensure that the policies are implemented. In addition, the policy requires being flexible so that it is amendable to accommodate the legal obligations culture and functions of an organization. According to Ngoepe and Ngulube (2014), policies should be reviewed regularly to ensure relevance to the organization. Management of records irrespective of its format is vital to organizations than ever before. According to Healy (2001), the objective of the records management policies is to facilitate creation, maintenance and use of records for as long they are needed. The absence of a records management policy would lead to unaccountability in the public sector, since it would be too difficult to track an organization’s activities and functions. The main purpose of having record management policy is to ensure that government agencies capture, maintain and protect a corporate memory of its actions and be accountable to its citizens or to those it serves (Kanzi, 2010). The study further states that record management officers must ensure that the record management policy is implemented in such a manner that all members in an organization are familiar with them. The policies should also be reviewed regularly to suit the emerging record trends in organizations. According to IRMT (2000) the records management policies should provide protection to records and enhance access to the holding of the archival institutions. Records management policies are guides for effective and efficient records management practices in an organization. A records management policy demonstrate the importance of managing records to employees and stakeholders; outlines activities of record managers, provides guidelines for management of records and communicates the intentions of the records management programme. Utulu (2001) also observed that if any information was to be lost or misplaced, it could cause a range of problems some of which might affect the future of students needing essential information from their records. According to Afolabi (2004), Records Management and Archives 14 staff should be responsible for providing an appropriate record management training programme to the University staff; adding that records should not be taken from the University without the permission of the Records Manager/Archivist or an appropriate Office Manager. Records must be authentic, complete and usable. For example, even Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems must be able to generate or capture the ‘metadata’ that record the contents, contexts and structures of records within the business processes that produce them International Records Management Trust (IRMT, 2008). Furthermore, Shepherd and Yeo (2003), when assessing the need to create and capture records, suggested that it is essential to consider the requirements of the organizations or particular business units that need records to provide evidence and information for operational use, the requirements of the organizations, particular business units or external stakeholders that need evidence to ensure accountability, the cost of creating, capturing and maintaining the records that organizations require and the risk to them if they do not have these records. Correspondingly, heads of institutions, schools, departments, other units and business functions within Maseno University have overall responsibility for the management of records generated through their activities. This ensures that records controlled within their units are managed in a way which meet aims of the University’s Records Management policies. The Registrar has a particular responsibility in ensuring that the University corporately meets its legal responsibilities, and internal and external governance and accountability requirement. Day-today responsibility will be delegated to a Records Manager, who will report to the Registrar. The Records Manager will have a coordinating and enabling role and will advise on policy and best practice. Kanzi (2010) pointed out that for a sound records management practices to take place, heads of institutions should designate or appoint a staff member at senior management level to whom they can delegate the responsibility of ensuring that sound records management practices are implemented and maintained. Kanzi added that records managers should develop and implement records management policies, which are endorsed by the heads of the institutions and their top management teams. The key records management practices in the University records management policy framework are records creation and capture, records survey/audit, records analysis/retention schedule, disposal of records, records protection and security and provision of appropriate training for relevant staff. Institutions should establish ongoing programmes for 15 training in managing records. Institutions can design or set up this training together with external bodies. Fitsimmons (2011), asserts that a records management policy helps individuals in making informed decisions and in accessing documents. The policy serves both paper-based records and electronic records. The study further indicates that: records are well secured; properly stored and accessible; retention and disposal schedules followers and training of staff on proper management of records. Proper records management includes laws regulating information, policies and regulations, adequate and qualified human resources to manage the records management systems. In most developing countries the laws governing records management are weak (Chebani, 2005). According to Gwinnett (2002), record management policies are important for any institution to identify record retention and disposal periods. Proper records management programs require policies that control the management of records in organizations. The policies should be well documented according to the state laws of institutions concerned. The record policies in place should monitor records right from creation of ultimate disposal (Macleod, Hare and Johare 2004). Records management practitioners should be trained on documented policies. It should also be ensured that staff members implement the policies on their daily activities. Organizations without record management policies would have difficulties in deciding as to what documents should be kept and which ones should be discarded. Keeping records which are valueless only serves to waste space time and resources. Records management policies hence help clear the clutter and boost efficiency in organizations. Employees require guidelines to manage records and information in their computers and in their files. Policies enhance efficiency in organizations by giving clear guidelines on the management of records at their different phases. According to Smith (2008), many organizations operate with informal records management policies and in most cases are not written down. Written policies are advantageous to 16 organizations since they enable all employees to familiarize with the policies and thus eliminating uncertainty. The study further notes that written policies provide authoritativeness in the management of records and ensures effectiveness in business operations. According to Mampe and Kalusopa (2012), for a records management program to be successful, there should be procedures, policies, and standards in place to govern management of records. The policies and procedures serve as guidelines for the management of records in organizations. Record management policies should serve all records in organizations, regardless of their formats. The record management guidelines must be consistent to both electronic and paper based records. According to Fitsimmons (2011), good policies ensure that values held within an organization are considered in all decisions made. Records management policies are guidelines to their respective organizations which allow them operate various operations such as retention and disposal of records. Policies should govern records right from creation to disposal stage. Records management policies provide a conducive environment for proper management of records. They enable organizations to allocate resources as outlined in the policies, putting control over coordination, sharing of records, creation of organizational records and their maintenance at all levels. However, Ngulube (2002) notes that most governments have not taken policy formulation seriously in relation to records. 2.4 Existing Records Management Practices Adopted for Effective Service Delivery Records, which play a critical role in institutions, should be managed properly. Efficient systems and procedures for the creation, organization and disposition of records have to be created. Storage and management of large volumes of records can be expensive particularly in the public sector. In a paper based environment, volumes of information keep accumulating in offices hence causing challenges, in terms of storage space and retrieval. Both manual and automated records management systems are used to support record management processes right from creation to disposal. The systems establish storage locations and the creation of records in 17 Organizations. Records management systems are established by organizations to guide in the creation and capture, maintenance and storage of records. 2.4.1 Records Creation The prime objective of records creation is to ensure that only records needed by the system are created and entered in the system (Penn et al. 1994; Shepherd and Yeo 2003). According to Yusof and Chell (2000), records creation and capturing involves developing consistent rules to ensure integrity and accessibility, deciding on systems to log and track records, and procedures for registering, classifying and indexing. Records are created in different formats and may include; paper, digital and electronic and transferred through various mediums such as workflows, email, or postal mail. The creation of records must also be properly captured on an appropriate medium after creation so that they are readily available for institutional support, that ensures that all records created are the ones needed and records not essential are not captured. As stated by Robeck, Brown, and Stephens (2002) , the reasons why organizations practice records management are to control the creation and growth of records, reduce operating costs, improve efficiency and productivity, assimilate new records management technologies, ensure regulatory compliance, minimize litigation risk, safeguard vital information, support better management decision making, preserve the corporate memory, and foster professionalism in running the business. 2.4.2 Control of Records Abuki (2014) pointed out that records are kept so that they can be made available to authorized users when required. Before a registry staff or records manager issues files or records he or she ought to ensure there is a system in place to ensure movement of those records and that they can be tracked from the point they leave the registry to the time they are returned and shelved or kept in their right place. Registry staff would be expected to register each record as it enters the system, locating it where it can be found easily by means of classification schemes, placing it into files that are properly titled and indexing the information in the records. Should the records be used by several people, then records would be taken out of the office for use elsewhere, it would be easier to keep track of where the record is and for how long, if the record is not to be lost. Ngoepe M. (2008) asserts that the purpose of tracking records is to document their 18 movements so that the organisation knows where its records are at any time. Tracking may also be used to monitor the use of records and to maintain an auditable trail of record-keeping processes, such as access by users. In addition, tracking may be used to ensure that a particular record is dealt with by the person to whom it has been assigned, and that action is taken by a predetermined date. 2.4.3 Records Storage Kemoni (2007) pointed out that inadequate storage of current and semi-current can delay speed in decision making as records retrieval would take long. He further posits that inadequate records storage equipment could increase the deterioration of records and thus affect their access and use for service delivery. Record storage is a major concern for storage of records that are no longer regularly referenced but required from time to time in business. These records are inactive and inactive. The institution must set guidelines at the end of records including sensitive or fragmented records. Cost-effective, secure systems that provide quick and prompt retrieval will help to ensure accurate access to records in cases of litigation and auditing, as well as future use of indicators especially when providing services to users. Records that are kept and maintained under reasonable circumstances facilitate their reliability, authenticity and use as long as they are required, and ensure that they are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, removal, deterioration, loss or destruction, theft and disaster. The storage equipment used in registers should provide adequate protection of records according to the format and volume of records, how often they are used, and how quickly they need to be accessed. In paper records, institutions should note that paper deteriorates rapidly in areas with high temperatures and humidity. Complimentarily, a record inventory is important to ensure that an institution understands the types of records they have, the format they are in and their storage locations. Record inventories are prepared to facilitate the evaluation, appraisal and organization of records. The importance of a records inventory is to give information for evaluation of current and past record keeping practices, hence guides institution in preparation of records retention and disposal schedules. Record retention policies provide organizations with guidelines for the care of records, how long to retain them, their maintenance and procedures for disposing the records. Retention policies 19 reflect the length of time that records have operational, cultural, legal, historical, research or historical value. 2.4.4 Electronic Record Management System Although paper records remain predominant in institutions, there is no doubt that record keeping is increasingly becoming digital. In many public institutions it would be common to experience the use of personal computers in almost every office and local area network thus depicts that the they are increasingly making use of digital records; that are continually being generated in electronic format and may exist only in that format. Electronic record management systems are used for managing electronic records. Organizations use electronic record management systems to manage the creation, use, maintenance and disposal of records created electronically for the purpose of providing evidence of organizational activities (Mcleod, (2005). Generally, the electronic records generated by the departments are not regarded as records or evidence of transactions but merely as data and information to facilitate the organizational information needs and decision-making. The records created are managed and maintained as part of the information management system of the organizations. A systematic and effective records management system will enable information to be handled, stored and retrieved quickly. Records management practitioners view record keeping systems broadly not only as records alone but also the creators of records, records management policies, storage of records, technologies in management of records and procedures enhancing access and use of records. Electronic document management systems are programmes used by an organization to manage records electronically from creation to disposal. The systems provide security, enhance access and execute disposition of records in an organization. According to Franks (2013), electronic records management systems consist of software, hardware, policies and processes that automate the organization, regulate the use, maintenance and dissemination of records regardless of media. Electronic records management systems include retention scheduling and disposition programmes for records. 2.4.5 Records Retention and Disposition A records retention and disposition schedule is a legal authority that outlines the records under an institution, stipulating how long and where they should be kept as they go through the stages of their life cycle, how records should be kept and what their final status will be (destruction or 20 preservation) at the end of their life cycle. A series of records (also called an item in a schedule) is a group or unit of similar or related records that are commonly used and filed as a unit and can be evaluated as a unit for scheduling purposes. Proper records retention and disposition is the key to an effective records management program. It ensures that records are present when needed for litigation, audits, day-to-day business purposes, or historical research, but that unneeded records do not take up costly storage space (Bowen 2006). Records disposition refer to the actions that are associated with implementing decisions about the retention or destruction of records. 2.4.6 Managing Records Access Institutional records can only be useful to the institution if they are accessible to members of the institution who need to use them to their work. This means making sure that they are easily accessible if needed. Access is associated with controlling the distribution or circulation of physical records within an institution.In addition the institution should maintain its records in a usable format and keep up-to-date materials needed to access them, including indexes and other documentation, until they are scheduled for disposal. In instances where it maintains nonconfidential public records permanently in the institution, it would be necessary to create a plan that provides easy access to those records upon request. It is also necessary to ensure that rights of access to such records are granted to authorised individuals and groups, and withheld from unauthorised individuals and groups. Access management aims to strengthen privacy and security while facilitating information sharing. Access to records can, however, be differentiated in a number of ways. For example, there are different issues and procedures related to access to physical records, as opposed to digital or electronic records; access to active, semi-active or inactive records; the ease with which an individual can understand the descriptions of records, and how they have been arranged, so that the correct record can be identified and located. In addition, there is the issuepect of controlling access, so that records remain uncorrupted by unauthorised amendments or deletions. 21 2.5 How the available resources in records management practices affects service delivery All kinds of institutions create a variety of records in the course of doing their daily business. The records are vital in meeting administrative needs as well as supporting decision-making processes of individuals, institutions, organisations and governments. Effective administration of a records management programme depends upon the joint effort of registry / staff and administrative staff. Registry supevisors and records management personnel as the technicians and departmental managers as administrators who implement policies that will help in activities that concern the management of records resulting in the facilitation of effective service delivery. To achieve records management practices, there is a need to build adequate staff capacity. 2.5.1 Staff Capacity Building Records management has been described as a profession that is a skill-required work that is emerging and constantly evolving. This has implications on the skills and competencies needed to manage records. Capacity building and in particular staffing levels in records management have been a major setback in most public institutions. Noe (1999) asserts that “to achieve successful staffing functions, it becomes essential to have an adequate staffing programme, further adding that it should lay down a defined personnel policy at providing adequate service for present and future”. The institution should establish an ongoing training programme for its staff to provide them with adequate knowledge and skills on records management requirements and practices. The programme should be particular on how to creat records during their work, capturing those records into and managing them in designated recordkeeping systems. For records management staff, including records managers, and registry staff, specific records management training should be provided to them on records management concepts, principles and practices, covering such topics as records classification, records scheduling and disposal, and records capturing. Once records management policies and procedures are created and adopted, it is important to train all staff in their implementation and to ensure that institution staff follow the policies and procedures. Moreover, records managers must have a dynamic influence, for the duration of the life of a record. While it is a requirement of records management that designers and creators of records obtain a certain level of knowledge in records management, the records management 22 professionals have to possess an upgrade of their skills that they apply in the course of their work. Trained and skilled staff is important in managing records such as integrity, protection, availability, compliance, disposition, transparency, retention of the records and information in principles of records and information management (RIM). Different factors have triggered these changes in the management of documents in institutions that calls for trained personnel to handle. The changes in management of records have not changed the importance of records management either, since organizations still create records to support daily activities and for future references. According to Kemoni & Wamukoya (2000), the use of a computer-based system for the management of records developed globally in the 1950s. Today large amounts and greater volumes of information are created in electronic paper forms. Whenever records are created regardless of their format applied, it is important that these institutions capture, manage, and preserve the information in an organized system that maintains its authenticity and integrity (Danso 2015). All these processes require to be performed by adequately trained, skilled and knowledged workforce. For paper records, since registry systems may be the center of recordkeeping activities in most institutions in Kenya, and may still be largely operated manually. In such instances, the units may typically comprise several junior level clerical staff performing a range of routine processing and recording activities on documents received and created by the institutions. Frequently, it would be the responsibility of the central registry staff to handle mails, correspondence registration, file creation and tracking, indexing and classifications, file maintenance and retrieval. Contemporarily in many registry departments, hybrid systems are practiced where electronic and paper systems are maintained. There is a distinct treatment between paper-based and electronic records as the paper-based records usually are under the control of a registry or file unit while electronic records are kept either by the personal creator or the IT division. In other words, electronic records usually reside on individual computers that support their key tasks. Records that are significant to the official transactions, paper copies would be generated and forwarded to the registry to be handled in the standard management of paper records. A systematic and effective records management system will enable information to 23 be handled, stored and retrieved quickly. The registry staff entrusted to deal with the various records media at any given circumstance require adequate training or experience to be effective in recordkeeping work. Significantly, electronic records are needed not only to increase productivity but also for management accountability, operational continuity, legal evidence, disaster recovery and corporate memory. 2.5.2 Funding Money plays a crucial role in the administration and development of registries. The development and maintenance of record management systems require a financial investment. Lately, there is a greater emphasis on accountability, transparency, audit and redress. At the same time, budgets are tighter and resources fewer; senior managers are constantly looking for value for money in any expenditure they undertake in institutions. The extent of progress of the registry service will depend largely on finance available since it will determine the provision of building staffing capacity and proper records maintenance.” Similarly, all administrative processes for effective management of financial resources is heavily dependent upon good record-keeping practices. Kumar (2012) further defines budget as an estimate after itemized at expected income and expense or results for a given period in future”. The budget in a systematic manner should be a factor to be put into consideration in institution registries. Financial investment in registries is necessary to facilitate capital expenditure, such as buildings, equipment, facilities, salaries, services, security arrangements, supplies, running/overheads costs, that is, stationery, management, clerical, cleaners’ and caretaker’s wages/rent and property taxes; telephone and fax; travelling costs; motor expenses; insurance and banking charges; depreciation, security, accountancy, audit and legal fees. The responsibility of funding records management practices in institutions should also be in the legal documents as well as the provision of facilities and equipment (Adelaide 2004). These authors‘ views are supported by Sanya (2015) who insinuated that though the records management division may not be that financially intensive as other departments in an organization or government, it does not mean that they can do with any amount of money. Registries too, like other University departments, requires adequate funding to enable it to 24 efficiently carry out its operations and purchase equipment, chemicals and so on inorder to achieve an effective service delivery. 2.5.3 Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) applications in Records Management ICTs present opportunities for efficient recordkeeping since records are created or generated in electronic systems, for instance, in a computer terminal. Therefore the application of the appropriate ICT services and facilities in offering the services in the registries would help in enhancing effective service delivery at the University. Usually, when properly implemented, an ICT system that has integrated records management functionalities would permit the capture, organisation, use, retention, and disposition of records (International Records Management Trust, 2009).The justification that spurs the use of ICTs for record management in registries is due to the ever-changing nature of operations that require capturing, processing, storing, and dissemination of records and other evolving phenomenon from traditional to virtual/technological platform. The students and the staff alike would appreciate the use of proficient technologies in retrieving files, and the management of all other services including tracking of files, documents and accounting for files and all other services such as in; a) Administration - ICTs would facilitate a fast and quick access to information/records for decision makers as they collect, manage, ensure better records tracking and distribution as well as report performance to help run institutions smoothly. The facilities are used in recording all documents about personnel records with leave schedules, duty register and inventory of all the physical resources records like furniture stored in the various offices, classrooms laboratories and workshops. The integration of ICT in a registry should therefore include the laws, policies, governance, strategies and evaluation mechanisms that should be put in place to provide a compliance framework to ensure records management requirements are included in ICT systems. b) Management - ICTs used for a wide range of records management functions. Potential records management functions to which ICTs are applied include the following: administrative tasks such as correspondence, personnel management, statistics and accounting, or reporting; classification and listing of current records; printing file labels; scheduling of current records; location and tracking of current and semi-current records and boxes; information about 25 authorized users of current and semi-current records; identification of records for disposal; management of physical space and storage for current records; production of management information about the records Popper, M. & Millar, L. (1999). c) Accessibility - Records management practices are influenced by the development and applications of ICT. The use of ICTs may affect the procedures for creating, preserving and disposing of documents, affect the accessibility of electronic information and may result in new ways in which organizations communicate and execute business processes. In most organizations records management has not been adjusted yet to these technical and organizational changes (Netherlands Court of Audit, 1998). According to (IRMT, 2009) and Kalusopa (2011) e-records permit for information to be accessed and used by a number of people at the same time, even if they are in different places. In instances where resources are scarce or distances are greater, the ability to provide access to information without the boundaries of time or space can significantly improve service, increase information sharing and enhance public operations. Thus it can be said without hesitation that ICTs enable a government to deliver its programmes and public services more effectively and efficiently in what has come to be termed egovernment (Wamukoya & Mutula, 2005). This can only be achieved if the records are produced in a carefully managed electronic facility with programmes that provide consistent intellectual and physical control. The aim should be to preserve the combination of content, context, and structure that gives an electronic meaning over time, to protect fragile media from degradation, and to ensure effective access and in doing so, a room to create public accountability is provided. d) Storage Space Facilities - According to IRMT (1999), Database management applications are used to store and manipulate many different kinds of information that can be used to classify and catalogue records, track files, register users, schedule records amongst other uses. Setting up a database to allow records office staff to search for files more quickly impacts a great deal on how the office operates. The institution should have adequate storage space for both its active and inactive paper records that must be retained to meet legal and fiscal recordkeeping requirements, and business needs. Records will be stored in such a manner so as to facilitate user access and ensure that they are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, removal, deterioration, loss or destruction. An organization should lay down guidelines on the storage of 26 records including sensitive or classified records. The institution may have significant records storage needs that include adequate facilities, and provide standards and guidelines. The standards and guidelines will assist in determining the feasibility of using an existing building for records storage; or considerations in building a new facility. The storage space may include a Data Center and storage area for computer storage media. Some of the storage equipment that may be in use in registries and any other file rooms may not match operational needs and will likely be a burden to staff attempting to organize and retrieve paper records. The institution may note that records in paper form often deteriorate rapidly in an environment of high temperature and humidity. Furthermore, mould growth on paper will be a health hazard to staff. e) Communication - The internet, intranet, and local area networks in conjunction with communications software are used to allow the records staff to communicate from their computers through emails and faxes. Integrated records management software packages are used to track files and box locations, check materials in and out, generate lists of records to be considered for destruction based on retention schedules, and create managerial reports. f) Retrieval - Institutions may spend tremendous amount of time and money creating, updating and managing vital files and records hence delaying service delivery. The main reason for applying ICTs in the management of records is to provide readily up-to-date information and are integrated into one database to facilitate speedy retrieval of records. In this age of ‘instant’ information, there is an increasing demand for speedy access to records and the information contained in them. Computers thus permit the collection and aggregation of statistical information which would be very time consuming, if not impossible, to assemble from manual systems. Institutions must ensure that equipment or technology dependent on records should remain accessible for as long as they are required such as audiovisual material and magnetic tapes. This may involve the conversion or migration of some records formats during the time in storage (Latham, 2005). 2.6 How Challenges in Record Management Practices hinder Effective Service Delivery Abuki (2014) identifies some factors that contribute to the poor implementation of effective records management practices in government institutions in Kenya. For instance, some of the identified factors in ministries include the neglect of registries, lack of support of the 27 organization’s senior officers, lack of management committees, technophobia due to inadequate skills in information technology, and limited training opportunities for the records management personnel. Abuki (2014) further noted that registry departments are regarded as dumping sections for the undisciplined and unproductive organizational officers. Additional factors include difficulty in records retrieval and lack of appreciation by management and staff of the need for well-controlled records, lack of adequate storage space, as well as, failure to consider the health and safety conditions of the registry employees. According to IRMT (1999), Eastern and Southern African countries had several challenges concerning the capturing, preservation and management of records. Other challenges may include the recruitment and retention of professionals to increase staffing levels. It is therefore important for institutions that are keen to develop and implement records management practices to recognize that human resource capacity is a catalyst for successful service delivery. This is in recognition of the fact that records management is labour intensive and as such requires not just adequate staffing but also the welltrained staff to deliver the services. Shepherd, Stevenson and Flinn (2011) have rightly observed that records management needs dedicated staff. Brendan (2012) opines that the growing use of information technologies in record management creates a lot of problems in the management of records in both public and private organisations. He adds that in Africa, and many developing countries governments are looking forward to computerising their core functions and compel most African countries to use ICTs in their public services by adopting e-government. Unfortunately, these projects fail to succeed because governments neither assess the available information framework suitable for electronic records management, nor consult the records managers to determine how the process of automation will affect the role of records managers in providing reliable and authentic evidence. Another major challenge is inappropriate records storage facilities which can compromise both the security and preservation of records in the long-term. A study by Shepherd, Stevenson and Flinn (2011) on records management in the English Local Government found that safekeeping of records is still an issue of concern. Generally, poor storage of records in most organizations remains a concern. They added that in many countries of the world, public records are 28 unmanaged and government information is not easily accessible. Coetzer (2012) reiterates that records management programmes in Africa are plagued with various challenges and problems, due to the inability of registries and national archival institutions to perform their roles effectively. Some of the common challenges include a lack of records management plan; inadequate knowledge about the importance of records management for organisational efficiency; no legislation, no policies and procedures, lack of central ability to manage records, understaffing of records management units; poor records security and access control; no budget for records management; no records retention and disposal policy and no records movement control techniques (IRMT, 1999). According to Marutha (2011) records management challenges can be addressed or prevented through the establishment and implementation of an effective records management programme. He added that the most serious administrative problems for records management such as shortage of filing space; misfiling and missing files; damage to record; incompetent/unskilled and shortage of staff; inadequate budget; lack of general staff awareness about the importance of records; in the institutions could be resolved using, amongst others, proper retention and disposal schedule and training. Bakare, Abioye and Issa (2016) recommended that organizations should provide adequate funds for the records management programmes in government institutions. They argue that adequate finances are significant in procuring adequate and modern storage facilities and equipment, thus facilitates records security to mitigate challenges faced in records management departments. Failure to address the above challenges could lead to ineffectiveness in service delivery in public institutions such as universities. 2.7 Summary and Research Gaps Studies have been conducted in records management, capturing almost all aspects of it. It is apparent that records in their capture of institutional memory never translates to quick retrieval for significant services delivery in institutions. A study by Duffy (2000) correlates with Kemoni & Wamukoya (2000), and Healy (2001), on the records policies to facilitate creation, maintenance, use and protection of records to enhance increased speed in retrieval. Efective records management practices in registries is a significant matter that should be facilitated to 29 ensure records retrieval for effective services delivery to its customers. In particular, record management practices policy framework, practices adopted, the available resources, and their impacts on effective service delivery has been documented. In so far as records is a key component in administration, no specific study has explored the record management practices policy framework and its impact on service delivery in Maseno University. Moreover, literature on this topic is very scanty, which makes the current study valuable in supplementing literature on this area. On the other hand many institutions have also considered registries as a human resource and administration function. However, it should be clearly emphasized that records management practices in an institution should be structured as an independent section that serves the entire institution. This platform shaped this study so as to evaluate the records management practices on service delivery in Maseno University registries which is relatively a new entity of administration. 30 CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This chapter explains the overall strategy and methodologies that will be used to address the research questions. It presents the research design to be adopted, the study location, target population and sampling techniques, sample size, research instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis techniques, logistical and ethical considerations. The chapter also presents the how validity and reliability of the instruments will be achieved will be used in actualizing the study. 3.2 Research Design Kothari (2004) pointed out that decisions regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means, concerning an inquiry or a research study constitute a research design. The study will adopt a descriptive research design to assess the opinions of records personnel in the university registries. Descriptive survey is a research design which employs interviews or questionnaires to a sample population. It can be employed in social science when the researcher want to collect information about people’s opinions, habits, perceptions or any other social science issue (Kombo, 2006). Descriptive survey is considered to be suitable for this research because it will present the opportunity to combine both the qualitative and quantitative research deign. Descriptive survey can be a case study, observation or survey. It can be used when collecting information about people’s attitudes, opinions, habits or any of the variety of education or social issues. The descriptive design will be used to describe events in relation to records management practices in Maseno University Registries. A descriptive research design deals with conditions, practices, structures or processes that evidently portray the trends that exist or opinions held (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2009). This design is suitable for this study as the research instruments to be used will collect data that will be analyzed descriptively. 31 3.3 Location of the Study The study will be conducted at Maseno University main campus records registries that is located about 25 Km from Kisumu City on the Kisumu-Busia road, in Kisumu County, Kenya. The choice of this university is based on the volume of records found in its registries. 3.4 Target Population Target population represents overall context about which research findings can be generalized Orodho and Kombo (2006). The target population will be the registry staff in the University main campus because they work in the registry totaling to 20...staff. The specific focus on the main campus is based on the fact that, it is the main hub of records management practices including processing, analysis, dissemination and even storage. Any data at the satellite campuses and branches of the registries are also available at the main campus at real-time. The table 3.1 below shows the target population; Table: 3.1 Target Population Category Target Sample % of sample Population size size Registry Supervisors 4 4 10 Registry Clerks 16 16 100 Total 10 (Source: Registry, 2020) 3.5 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size 3.5.1 Sampling Techniques Sampling is the process of selecting a sample from target population such that the selected sample is a representative of the entire population. Sampling techniques are the methods used to select a sample. When dealing with people, sampling techniques indicates how the respondents 32 are to be selected (Kombo and Trump, 2006). The researcher will group the respondents into two categories, using stratified random sampling technique. This will be done so as to overcome the problem of skewed sampling where staff from some categories are not involved while some of specific categories are over represented (Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003). The categories will comprise of the Registry Supevisors, and the Registry Clerks. However, purposive sampling will be specifically used for the registry supervisors that manages records for university since they will be the key informants for the study to help answer research questions or achieve research objectives. Consequently the researcher will employ a mix of the sampling designs to obtain the entire sample. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques will be chosen for this research. Through stratified sampling the entire population will be divided into departments to ensure all registry departments at Maseno University are represented in the research and proportionate number of respondents assigned to each department. After which purposive sampling will be used in choosing respondents across all ages and gender. Table 3.1 represents the entire population in their respective departments. 3.5.2 Sample Size A sample size is the total units selected to participate in the research from the target population. Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), notes that where resources and time are sufficient, a researcher should select as big sample as technically possible. This study targets a sample size of 20 respondents that represents 10% of the target population, of which 4 will be the Registry supervisors and 16 registry clerks. The researcher will use stratified random sampling technique to achieve desired representation from various departments. This will enable the researcher to capture data from different categories enabling him to get the views of the respondents on the assessment of records management practice for effective service delivery in Maseno University registries. Table 3.2 shows the sample size. 33 3.5.3 Sampling Frame The sampling frame depicts the rundown of all population units from which the example will be chosen (Cooper and Schindler, 2003). The study will focus on a sample size of 20 respondents that represents 10% objective population of 4 registry supervisors and 16 registry clerks which represented 100% of the registry staff population. Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), says that, in engaging descriptive studies, a sample of 10% of the population is recommended as a good representation. Ogachi (2014) contended that the utilization of sensible sample is suitable in light of the fact that it is speedy, reasonable, proficient and exact methods for evaluating data about the population. Table 3.2 Sampling Frame for Registry Supervisors and Clerks Category Taget Population Sample size % of sample size Registry Clerks 16 16 100 Registry Supervisors 4 4 100 Total 20 20 100 (Source: Registry, 2020) 3.6 Research instruments Self administered questionnaire and interview schedule will be used as the data collection instruments. The study will prepare two sets of questionnaires for the two different sets of respondents who include the Registry Clerks and the Registry Supervisors. An interview schedule will be prepared for the registry clerks/supervisors. a) Questionnaire for Registry Clerks One questionnaire will be structured and designed based on the objectives of the study. The questionnaire will provide flexibility by allowing the registry workers complete the questions in their free time. It would also enable respondent to respond to questions freely and frankly hence boosts the likelihood of getting accurate information. Furthermore, a questionnaire is effective 34 instrument for used in collecting data for measuring intentions, opinions, preferences, attitudes and behaviour of relatively large numbers of subjects. This will also help to identify patterns and trends that merit further exploration. The researcher will use open and close ended questionnaire that will ensure the researcher collects both quantitative and qualitative data. b) Interview schedules for Registry Supervisors The interview schedule for the respondents will consist of both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Interview method is very flexible and can be used to collect large amounts of information. Therefore the interviewer can guide interviews, explore issues, and probe as the situation requires. 3.7 Piloting Study A pilot study will be conducted at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega County. MMUST will be chosen because its population has similar characteristics with the Maseno University as required for the piloting of research instruments, (Mugenda Mugenda, 2003). Piloting will help the researcher identify flaws in the instruments, to ensure reliability of the data collection instruments as well as noting questions that will be considered ambiguous or vague. It will also help to test the validity of the instruments and determine whether the responses fulfilled the objectives of the study. Basing on analysis of the responses, the researcher will, if necessary, make adjustments to the instruments so as to ensure that the respondents understand the questions as intended. 3.7.1 Validity of Research Instruments The researcher will subject the instruments to review by the supervisor who is conversant in this field of study, colleagues and other experts. The suggestions and recommendations arising from both the experts and the researcher’s supervisor in records management practices will be incorporated in the final instrument. Any item found to yield irrelevant information will be removed. Furthermore, the researcher will ensure that each objective under study has adequate representation in terms of questions asked. Additionally, the questions in the research instrument will be written in a language that will be easy to understand and one that will not be ambiguous or vague. 35 3.7.2 Reliability of Research Instruments The reliability of a research instrument concerns the extent to which the instrument yields the same results on repeated trials (Mugenda and Mugenda 1999). The researcher will use the triangulation approach to increase the reliability of the data to be collected. The reliability of the questionnaires will be improved through pretesting of pilot samples from the field which will enable the rephrasing of some questions. To establish reliability test for the questionnaires, the researcher will re-visit the research objectives when formulating the questionnaires to ensure that they are within the research study. The findings of the pilot study will allow the researcher to adjust the research instruments appropriately before carrying out the actual research. The research assistant will be trained on the research instruments prior to pilot study and will be involved in the pilot study to help him / her familiarize with the exercise. 3.8 Data Collection Procedure The researcher will formally request for data collection from Maseno University by submitting all the necessary clearances. The researcher will develop a scheduled work plan to guide in data collection, administration of questionnaires and interview session with the participants. Questionnaires will be administered to the registry clerks on time allowing the respondents to have enough time to go through and fill them. The self-administered questionnaires will be hand delivered to respondents in their offices and the researcher will collect them after completion to avoid loss, and / or misplacement. The researcher will develop an interview schedule with semistructured questions to assist in conducting interview sessions with the registry supervisors. The researcher will take the opportunity to visit the registries. This will allow the creation of rapport between the researcher and registry staff to observe and record the relevant information for the study. 3.9 Data Analysis Data analysis will be prepared by applying qualitative and quantitative methods. After the collection of data, the questionnaires will be cleaned of from ambiguous responses and proof reading will be done to guarantee consistency in the collected data. The records and lists will be edited, validated, coded and then entered in the computer for analysis and interpretation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Interview sessions will be recorded and then 36 organized as per the interview guides and responses. A descriptive statistical analysis will be done using frequencies and percentages to describe the basic characteristics of the data. The interpreted data will be discussed and from them, interpretations will be made and a report written. The findings were presented according to the objectives of the study. Qualitative analysis of personal opinions and views will be presented as quotations of the study directly. 3.10 Logistical and Ethical Considerations Ethical concerns refers to a set of guidelines that direct a researcher’s behavior during a study. Kombo and Tromps (2006) noted that a researcher whose samples are people or animals must always consider the conduct of their research and give attention to the ethical issues associated with their research. Ethical considerations are important in ensuring a professional research and are non-intrusive in accomplishing a research objective. Ethical research includes informed consent from respondents in the study and respect for their rights being protected. The researcher will seek authorization from National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Kenyatta University graduate school and Maseno University in order to conduct the research study. The ethical considerations for this study concerning the respondents will be based on the American Psychological Association (APA) ethics code which provides a guideline for conducting a research study. The respondents in the study will be given full explanation and informed about the study, its purpose, importance, use, the limit level of their privacy and confidentiality on the information to be collected at all times. The respondents will be informed of their right to leave the study at any time once the study has started as well as the consequences of doing so. The respondents will also be informed on whom they can contact in case of queries or clarifications. The respondents will also be guaranteed their anonymity. A written consent will be obtained and enforced from the subjects in a form provided with the questionnaire that they participate voluntarily. Furthermore, the researcher will present this study as a personal work and not as a work done by someone else. Appropriate citations will be made to give credit in cases where the researcher referred to works done by other researchers. 37 REFERENCES Abuki, B. J. (2014). The role of records management in public service delivery in county government in Kenya: a case study of Kisii County Government Headquarters. (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Nairobi. Kenya Adelaide University records and archives management. 2004. Records and archives manage ment manual. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/? Accessed in Septembet, 2020. 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Available at http://emeraldinsight.com/researchregisters (Accessed in March 2019) 46 APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER Buoro Philemone Otieno, P.O Box 190- 50100, Kakamega 0722345388 otieno.buoro@gmail.com Dear Respondent, RE: PARTICIPATION IN DATA COLLECTION My name is Philemone Buoro, a postgraduate student at Kenyatta University pursuing a degree of Master of Records Management and Archives Administration. As part of fulfilling the course requirements, I am expected to conduct a supervised research study. It is in this regard that I seek your consent in filling the attached questionnaire. My study is titled “Assessment of Records Management Practices for Effective Service Delivery in Maseno University Registries, Kisumu County, Kenya”. Your participation in this exercise is voluntary and you may withdraw if in any case your participation will be injurious or case damage to you. The data collected will be used exclusively for academic purposes and will be treated with confidentiality. Your identity will not, in any instance, be revealed for any reason and you are advised not to include any identification details on the questionnaire. I will be available during the entire period of data collection and you may contact me using the above details for any clarifications or concerns. I will gladly appreciate your participation in this exercise. Thank you. Yours Sincerely, 47 Buoro Philemone Otieno APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR REGISTRY CLERKS SECTION A: BACKGROUND INSTRUCTIONS Please write or tick (√) in the brackets or fill in the spaces provided aplicable responses that most closely fit your opinion. 1. Designation ____________________________________________________ 2. For how long have you worked as an employee of Maaseno University (Tick one only) (i) 1 - 5 yrs [ ] (iv) 16yrs and above [ (ii) 6 - 10yrs [ ] (iii) 11 - 15yrs 9 [ ] ] 3. Which section do you belong to? (i) Examination/Records Registry [ (iii) Personnel Registry [ ] (ii) Student Registry [ ] ] SECTION B: EFFECTS OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK ON SERVICE DELIVERY. 4. Does the University have a records management framework to govern the management of Maseno University? 5. How frequent do you access the registry to retrieve the office records to deliver user services? 48 (i) Daily [ ] (ii) Weekly [ ] (iii) Fortnightly (iv) Monthly [ ] (v) Quarterly [ ] (vi) Never [ [ ] ] 6. What type of records are created and maintained at Maseno University? (i) Papers records [ ] (ii) electronic records [ (iii) Both Paper and electronic-records [ ] ] 7. Who are the users of the records in the registry? (i) Administrators/Management [ ] (ii) Staff [ ] (iii) Students [ ] 8. How does the records management policy framework in practice influence service delivery? (i) Increased speed of accessibility and retrieval of files / documents [ ] (ii) Adequate access control and confidentiality [ ] (iii) Enhanced use of ICT to facilitate diversity and flexibility [ ] (iv) Timely response to support the decision making processes [ ] [ ] (iv) Reduced productivity costs and the quality of service delivery [ ] (v) Motivates staff and enhanced corporate image of the institution [ ] (vi) Reduction of culpability to corruption and Protect Rights and Assets [ ] (vii) Encourages teamwork and good working relations among staff [ ] (v) Enhanced accountability, transparency and best practice or established policies SECTION C: HOW AVAILABLE RESOURCES IMPACTS ON SERVICE DELIVERY 49 9. What is the level of training for the personnel working in the registry to adequately manage the records? (i) Certificate [ (v) PhD [ ] (ii) Diploma [ ] (iii) Bachelor’s Degree [ ] (iv) Master’s Degree ] 10. Has the University developed procedures to capture, manage and store electronic and paper records? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ] (iii) Not Sure [ ] 11. How adequate and secure are the storage equipment in the protection of registry records? (i) Not Sure [ ] (ii) Inadequate [ ] (iii) Adequate [ ] (iv) Very Adequate [ ] 12. How has the available resources impacted on your service delivery? (i) Staff are timely trained on the available records management practices [ ] (ii) Exisetence of effective records management policies and procedures [ ] [ ] [ ] (iii) Records are adequately stored and protected from destruction or potential disasters (iv) Quick and easy clients access and retrievals of records by staff D: CHALLENGES TO SERVICE DELIVERY 13. What record management challenges do you encounter in your daily delivery of services in the registry? (i) Unreliable records safety and security (Location, Storage, Layout) [ ] (ii) Inadequate records management plan, policies and procedures [ ] (iii) Inadequate record tracking control and monitoring procedures [ ] 50 (iv) Inadequate / weak legislative and institutional infrastructures [ ] (v) Understaffing and inadequate training opportunities for Registry staff [ ] (vi) Inadequate ICT / Technical knowledge and skills [ ] (vii) Inadequate budget and Supplies (Shelves, Folders, File clips etc.) [ ] (viii) Registry staff lack adequate understanding for users’ needs [ ] (x) Torn / worn out, dusty and bulky files [ ] (xi) Inadequate access control and confidentiality [ ] (xii) Technophobia and limited / inadequate capacity to manage electronic records [ ] [ ] [ ] (xiii) Inadequate levels of awareness of the role of records management in Service delivery (xiv) Inadequate / Lack of disaster recovery and preparedness strategies 14. Does the institution have any disaster recovery plan policy for records management? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) [ ] No (iii) No sure 15. How are the registry staff made aware of the records management policy? (i) Workshops (ii) Intranet (iii) Notices (iv) Others, Speecify ____________________________________________________________ THANK YOUR FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO ANSWER THIS QUESTIONNAIRE 51 APPENDIX III: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR THE REGISTRY SUPERVISORS INSTRUCTIONS a. Please tick appropriate response(s) from the choices provided for each question b. Use spaces provided to write your answers to the questions. c. Please do not leave blank spaces. If the question does not apply please indicate “N/A” d. In case of detailed answers or space is not enough, use a separate piece of paper and indicate the question number you are referring to. SECTION A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1. Have you been trained on records/archives management or studying towards, a professional records management or related qualification? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ] 2. If yes, then you answer question 3 below. 3. What is your highest academic professional qualification? (i) Certificate [ ] (ii) Diploma [ (iv) Master’s degree [ ] ] (iii) Bachelor’s degree (v) Ph.D. [ ] 4. Do you have a records management system in your institution? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ] (iii) Not Sure [ 5. How long has the system been in place? 52 ] [ ] (i) 6 months – 1 Year [ (ii) 2 – 5 Years ] (iv) 11 – 15 Years [ ] (iii) 6 – 10 Years [ ] (v) Over 16 Years SECTION B: EFFECTS OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK ON SERVICE DELIVERY. 6. How do you store / keep your records / documents? (i) Manually [ ] (ii) Electronically [ ] (iii) Both [ ] 7. What kind of records management system do you practice at the University? (i) Centralized [ ] (ii) De-centralized [ ] (iii) Other (Please state) ……............... 8. What records storage equipment do you use? (Please tick as many as apply) (i) Compacts [ ] (ii) Drawers [ (iv) Boxes ] (v) Shelves [ [ ] (iii) Cupboards [ ] ] 9. Who monitors and controls records management and retrieval? (i) Registry Clerks [ ] (ii) Records Manager [ ] (iii) Individuals [ ] (iv) Other (Please state) ……....................................................... 10. How do your records storage impact on their accessibility by users for service delivery? (i) Allow quick response to service delivery (steel / wooden / movable shelves) [ ] [ ] [ ] (ii) Convenience of appropriate and adequate resources (i.e. Personnel, Finance, Equipment / Facilities) (iii) Enhances monitoring and controls of records access and retrieval processes SECTION C: HOW AVAILABLE RESOURCES IMPACTS ON SERVICE DELIVERY 53 11. Which of these records management activities describe your registry policy manual position? (Please tick as many as applicable) (i) Existence of clearly outlined responsibilities of each records management personnel in the University towards users [ ] (ii) Best record keeping practices, i.e. on how to handle incoming and outgoing mail in paper and electronic mail form. [ ] (iii) Adequate retrieval system of stored records in existence [ ] (vi) Provides guidelines on how records management procedures such as disposition, filing, storage etc. ought to be carried out [ ] (v) Developed and implemented records classification schemes which cover all records irrespective of nature or formats? [ ] (vi) Developed and implemented procedures on how to create and record existence of new files, control file movement, instructions for closing files, good housekeeping etc. [ ] (vii) Provides adequate security measures to protect records from unauthorised access and to prevent unauthorised and accidental loss or destruction of records? [ ] (viii) Provides adequate guidance and procedures to all staff on capturing, using, managing and keeping records created and received in the course of official business [ ] (ix) Other specify……………………………………………………………………… SECTION D: HOW RECORDS MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AFFECT SERVICE DELIVERY 12. What record management challenges do you encounter when implementing effective service delivery? (i) Financial constraints - budget and Supplies [ ] (ii) Top management support – for planning, policies and procedures [ ] 54 (iii) Shortage of manpower - Understaffing [ ] (iv) Technical Expertise - Skilled personnel [ ] (v) No appropriate equipment. [ ] (vi) Other, specify......................................................................................................... 13. What suggestions do you offer to address these challenges? …………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14. What other comments/recommendations would you make to improve the implementation and effective records management practices? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 55 WORK PLAN No. Activity July 2018 Nov. 2019 1. – Dec. 2019 – Mar. Feb. 2021 Concept Writing and Defense 2. Proposal writing, Presentation and Revision 3. Collecting and Analysing Data 4. Report writing and Submission 56 2021 – Apr. Apr. 2021 - May. APPENDIX V: BUDGET Item Estimated Amount (Kshs) Secretarial services 5,500 Typing, Photocopying and binding 3,500 Transport and Communication 12,000 Stationery 2,500 Internet and Consultation 4,500 Miscelleneous expenses 4,000 Total 32,000 57