Factors Limiting Best Records Management Practices for Improved Good Governance and Service Delivery. A Case of Singida Local Authorities

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study that was carried out to determine the factors limiting the attainment of best records management for fostering good governance and service delivery by the Singida Local Authorities (SLAs). Specifically, the study had assessed the records management systems used for managing records and the attendant challenges experienced in the management of records. The study was conducted in SLAs where 41 respondents were purposively sampled from the targeted population of 50 employees. Employing a case study design, the research used a qualitative approach to collect data using interviews, group discussions and observation. The study found poor records management systems to be attributable to lack of electronic records management strategies and poor control of records files. Moreover, the SLAs faced the challenge of inadequate space and storage facilities, insufficient skilled records personnel, poor security measures, low prioritization of the records management unit, lack of records management skills, lack of legal compliance in managing records, rigidity in implementing Records and Archives Management Department (RAMD) directives, and records management personnel dealt with other responsibilities. Based on these findings, the study calls on the SLAs to establish effective systems for managing both paper and electronic records, and comply with legal requirement in managing their records. In addition, the government of URT ought to establish an independent records management department to improve records management practices for good governance and service delivery.