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