Records Management Practices and Administrative Efficiency in Nakuru County Government, Kenya
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Abstract
Effective records management is fundamental to good governance, particularly in devolved systems where access to accurate information promotes accountability, transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and efficient service delivery. However, county governments in Kenya continue to face challenges, including inadequate storage facilities, reliance on manual systems, limited technological infrastructure, and insufficient staff capacity. This study examined the relationship between records management practices and the efficiency of devolved governance in the County Government of Nakuru. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Of 152 officers in the County Executive and County Assembly, 126 were selected through stratified random sampling, yielding 120 usable questionnaires (95.2% response rate). Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Records management practices were moderately implemented, with records creation and classification scoring highest (M = 3.44, SD = 0.72), followed by disposal (M = 3.39, SD = 0.80) and storage and retrieval (M = 3.36, SD = 0.74). All three dimensions correlated positively with governance efficiency (r = .339–.622, p < .001). The regression model was significant, F(3, 116) = 32.41, p < .001, explaining 45.6% of the variance. Records creation and classification (β = .471, p < .001) and storage and retrieval (β = .279, p = .001) significantly predicted governance efficiency, while disposal did not (β = .053, p = .487). Qualitative findings highlighted inadequate infrastructure, limited digitization, inconsistent policy implementation, and insufficient staff training, with 35.0% reporting no formal records management training. The study concludes that effective records management is positively associated with governance efficiency. It recommends investment in electronic records management systems, continuous staff training, stronger policy implementation, monitoring, and adequate resource allocation.
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