The Capacity of the President’s Office, Records and Archives Management Department (PO-RAMD) in Enhancing Records Management Practices in Tanzania Local Government Authorities

Abstract

The study reviewed existing literature to assess the capacity of the President’s Office Records and Archives Management Department (PO-RAMD) to promote records management through its mandated functions within Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs), in accordance with the Records and Archives Management Act of 2002 and its 2007 regulations. This study employed a systematic review of peer reviewed journal articles, books, dissertations, theses, and government legislation, policies, and regulations from 2011 to 2024, relevant to the performance of the records management department and the national archives in enhancing records management in local authorities. The findings indicate that PO-RAMD was unable to implement the mandated roles to enhance records management in LGAs. As a result, LGAs are characterised by the absence of appropriate records management systems, lack of written records management policies and guidelines, failure to implement disaster preparedness plans for record security, and delays in the appraisal and disposition of records. The study concludes that PO-RAMD’s ability to effectively exercise its mandated functions in LGAs is low. It recommends collaboration between PO-RAMD and LGAs to manage public records, as well as government interventions to strengthen PO-RAMD’s capacity to perform all mandated functions effectively