Preservation and Conservation Practices at Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service

Abstract

Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service as the official custodian of public archives has a responsibility to acquire and preserve public archives and make them accessible to users.The public archives form a valuable part of Kenya’s documentary heritage and preservation which involves conservation is the means by which their survival is ensured for enduring access.However, it has been observed that some of the archives when acquired are already old and in poor condition while most of the archives which are acquired in good condition deteriorate when in the custody of KNADS due to ineffective preservation and conservation practices. The aim of this study was to assess the preservation and conservation practices at KNADS with a view to developing a strategy for promoting a systematic approach to preservation and conservation of archival materials for long-term usability.The specific objectives of the study were to: establish the diversity of archival materials and their formats at KNADS; establish the effectiveness of preservation and conservation practices at KNADS; determine appropriateness of methods and tools for preservation and conservation at KNADS; identify challenges encountered in preservation and conservation of archival materials at KNADS andPropose a strategy for promoting a systematic approach to preservation and conservation at KNADS. The study was informed by the delta plan model of preventive conservation and the simple property-oriented threat model for risk assessment.The study employed descriptive research design and adopted a qualitative approach with purposive sampling technique being used to identify respondents. Data was collected from a sample size of 45 respondents using interview method and observation as data collection methods.Data analysis was done and presented descriptively using descriptions and explanations in form of text. The findings of the study were that: KNADS collection comprised of a diversity of archival materials in various formats; preservation and conservation practices were insufficient and inadequate leading to deterioration of archival materials; preservation and conservation infrastructure was inadequate and inappropriate. This was mainly attributed to inadequate funding which contributed significantly to lack of important and crucial resources.The study concluded that preservation and conservation practices at KNADS were not effective in protecting archival materials for enduring access. The study recommends that KNADS should: seek for adequate funding; modernize the conservation section; establish best practice standards; undertake annual stocktaking and preservation surveys. The study has also developed a strategy, which if adopted by KNADS should improve preservation and conservation of archival materials.