Abstract:
Preliminary survey by the researcher revealed that, the current state in which personnel
records and records management units are operating in the Ministry of Local Government
(MOLG) has impacted negatively on the delivery of service. Despite the efforts made by
the Government through the issuance of several circulars on records management in
Government Ministries and non adherence to the legal framework governing employment
and management of personnel records, the state of records management in general and
personnel records in particular in the MOLG still remains a challenge. The aim of the
study was to examine the management of personnel records in support of good
governance in the Ministry of Local Government Headquarters and propose a framework
for effective management of these records. The objectives of the study were: to find out
how personnel records are managed during their continuum; determine how personnel
records impact on good governance; determine the factors that contribute to the current
state of personnel records; establish the extent to which KNADS has assisted the MOLG
to manage personnel records; establish the nature and extent of appreciation of ICT in
managing personnel records and propose a framework for management of personnel
records in the MOLG. The study was informed by the records continuum model of Frank
Upward‟s (1980). The study used a sample size of 68 respondents drawn from different
categories of staff through the use of purposive sampling. The sampling comprised the
following categories: of respondents namely heads of Department (4), HRM officers
(16), Records Management Officers (3), Clerical Officers (15) Information Technology
Officers (6) Secretaries (15), KNADS staff (6) and DPM staff (3). The primary data
collection instruments were face to face interviews and observation. Qualitative approach
was used to present, analyze and interpret the data. The study established that:
management of personnel records in MOLG during their continuum were poorly
managed; well managed personnel records impacts positively on good governance; there
was lack of adherence to personnel records management practices, procedures and
policies. Recommendations include: MOLG should develop capacity building for
Records Management officers; develop retention and disposal schedules for personnel
records in MOLG; review and implement policies and legislations for personnel records;
implementation of ICT in the management of personnel records; enactment of records
management policy and development of a framework to be used in the management of
personnel records in support of good governance