Monday, January 2, 2012

Ministries to adopt electronic records system



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Public Service minister Dalmas Otieno. Photo/FILE
Public Service minister Dalmas Otieno. Photo/FILE 
By Nation Correspondent
Posted  Sunday, January 1  2012 at  22:00
Ministries and public agencies have embarked on a journey towards paperless correspondence to increase transparency and accountability in their operations.
Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno said the five-year plan would ensure communication within the government was completely computerised.
In line with the new move, about 560 record management officers are to be posted in registries of each ministry to transform flow of information from manual to digital.
At the same time, all past correspondence — circulars, memos or vouchers — are to be scanned and stored electronically for easier retrieval.
“The need for excellent record management practices is paramount as there is an increasing amount of information available today,” Mr Otieno said last week.
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“This plan aims to modernise records management to enable the government to become more responsive to needs of citizens and deliver service more efficiently and effectively.”
Speaking in Nairobi, Mr Otieno noted that improving records management was also fundamental to the concept of democracy.
“Recorded information ensures the protection of human rights, the rule of law, fairness and equal treatment of citizens,” he said.
He noted that Kenyans expected the government to maintain reliable and accurate evidence of its decisions and actions.
“The strategy will ensure that government’s activities are documented and maintained, with officials getting the right information at the right time and at the least possible cost.”
Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura said the digitised system would enable his officers to perform their duties effectively.
“Kenya like other countries in Africa such as Ghana, Uganda and Zimbabwe among former British colonies, still operate a paper-based registry system,” Mr Muthaura said.

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