Access to records and archives in Kenya

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Access to records and archives in Kenya
Author:	Mnjama, Nathan
Year:	2008
Periodical:	African Research and Documentation
Issue:	106
Pages:	59-75
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	archives access to information legislation
Abstract:	This article outlines the regulatory framework governing access to records and archives in Kenya. It shows that although the constitution guarantees citizens freedom of expression and the right to receive and obtain information the reality on the ground is different. There are various pieces of legislation that affect access to information adversely. The article focuses on the Public Archives and Documentation Services Act, but also deals with other restrictive laws, such as the Official Secrets Act. It further examines access to statutory registers and to e-records held in government offices, and obstacles encountered in the use of archival materials at the Kenya National Archives. It argues that there is a need to abolish outdated laws and that the lack of a national policy on information is a major hindrance to access to information in Kenya. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]