Abstract:
The Electricity Supply Sub-sector is part of the energy sector in Kenya, with the
mandate to generate and supply electric energy throughout the country. It has been
undergoing restructuring and reforms since the mid-90s, which has affected the
operations of its information centres. Consequently, a probable lack of a formal
information resource sharing program is likely to have contributed to poor
information services in the sub-sector’s operations, resulting in low quality work
when it comes to customer service. The aim of this study was to investigate
information resource sharing activities in ESI, to identify shortcomings and to suggest
strategies for their improvement that leads to development of an information resource
sharing framework. Specifically, it examined information resources and services
available, their access and use; it determined the forms and adequacy of information
resource sharing activities; the extent of ICT use in information resource sharing; the
challenges ESI experiences in information resource sharing; and finally,
recommended strategies for improvement that led to developing a framework for
information resource sharing activities in ESI. The study was informed by Intra-type
Resource Sharing Model and the Secure Layered Model for Digital Libraries
Interaction. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Using the
qualitative approach, the study employed exploratory method and applied purposive
sampling. Nine senior staff of information centres in ESI were sampled and face-to-
face interviews used to collect data from them. Under the quantitative approach,
survey method was employed and it applied simple random sampling. A sample of
250 (95% confidence level and ±6 margin of error) out of 3320 target population was
selected and the data collection instrument used was the questionnaire. Both thematic
and descriptive statistics results were used for data analysis. The study revealed that
there is availability of varied information resources and services, that access to and
use of information resources is not as extensive as it should be, that there was a lack
of a formal program on information resource sharing and inadequacy of informal
information resource sharing activities. The study revealed that the useof ICT in
information resource sharing activities is limited. It also identified challenges like
inadequate resources, users’ unawareness of services available and limited networking
among information centres. In conclusion, the lack of a formal information resource
sharing program in ESI negatively affects information services. The recommended
strategies for improvement were: establishing more information centres, automation
and digitization of existing centres, enhancing policies on information resource
sharing and the use of the developed framework for information resource sharing. A
framework in information resource sharing which provides the structure and
guidelines in establishing information resource sharing program in ESI has thus been
developed and proposed for adoption in ESI. This is expected to impact positively on
information services, thus improving the quality of services and products in ESI.