Educational publishing and provision of quality primary school textbooks in Kenya

The aim of the study was to establish the views of teachers and pupils on the quality of primary school textbooks within the Kesses Division, Uasin Gishu County in Kenya, and to make recommendations on issues that need to be addressed by stakeholders in the textbook publication industry. Forty four (44) public primary schools within the Kesses Division were sampled for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data from subject teachers and a cross section of pupils. Also, interview schedules were used to collect data from Ministry of Education officers. The findings revealed that there was disjointed communication between the Kenyan Ministry of Education and textbook publishers and users. The study also established that the evaluation and vetting process of primary school textbooks was not transparent respect of the appointment of panel members. Important recommendations include: the establishment of feedback mechanisms by the Ministry of Education to enable response to complaints presented by textbook users, establishing open and transparent guidelines on the appointment of members to the evaluation panel and that vetting committee members and educational publishers be given adequate time to develop textbooks for primary schools.Keywords: Education publishing, primary school textbooks, Keny

Management of E-records at Moi University Eldoret, Kenya

The article discusses the findings of a study that was carried out to investigate the management of electronic records (e-records) at Moi University. The aim of the study was to investigate the management of e-records within the context of the records continuum principle with a view to recommending a framework that can be used to manage e-records. The sampling frame consisted of 60 respondents drawn from Moi University main campus, Chepkoilel campus and Town campuses. Purposive sampling  technique was used to select respondents from Moi University management, ICT, general administration, records/accounts and secretarial staff. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedules supplemented by observation. The study results revealed that despite Moi University embracing the use of computers as a critical tool for information management and communication in support of its business transactions, the management of e-records remained a neglected area of the university record keeping system. Factors contributing to this were found to include lack of policies and procedures to guide the management of e-records and lack of knowledge and skills in records management and in particular e-records management. The authors‟ recommendations include equipping staff and especially those responsible for managing e-records with knowledge and skills in records management and in particular e-records management, staff and users be equipped with ICT skills to enable them to work in an electronic environment and the university should raise awareness amongst staff on the importance of managing e-records.Keywords: E-records; E-Records Management; Moi University; Records Managemen

Records and archives legislation in Kenya and management of public sector records: a SWOT analysis approach

No Abstract. African Journal of Library Archives and Information Science Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 98-10

Student Assessment of the Master of Philosophy in Information Sciences (Records and Archives Management) Degree Programme at Moi University, Kenya

The aim of the study was to determine student assessment of the Master of Philosophy (Mphil) and Master of Science (MSc) in Information Sciences Records and Archives Management (RAM) programmes and propose recommendations to enhance the course content and structure to meet the education and market needs of Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: find out the status and characteristics of the students, establish students‟ perceptions regarding adequacy of curriculum in relation to market needs, establish the adequacy of resources availed to students, find out the students research thesis themes and titles, determine the challenges faced by students while undertaking the programme and provide recommendations to improve curriculum content and delivery and meet market needs. The study population comprised of 21 students admitted into the MPhil and MSc RAM programmes from the academic year 2007/2008 to 2009/2010. Purposive sampling was used to select all the cases for study. Data was collected through the use of open-ended interview schedules. Data collected was subjected to qualitative data analysis techniques. The study findings revealed that the programme has strengths and weaknesses, some courses needed revision to meet marketdemands, the resources offered to students were inadequate, some  lecturers took longer periods of time to read and return students work and do not offer the much needed supervisory support and lecturers were overworked and at times missed classes since they had many students to supervise in addition to other responsibilities. The study recommended the need to revise the courses and particularly those that require a practical orientation and an introduction of new courses, acquisition of more information materials including books, journals, and computers and improve on Internet connectivity and the strict adherence to the University policy on postgraduate thesis supervision that stipulates a maximum of six to seven candidates per supervisor within one academic. Keywords: Content and Delivery, Curriculum Review, Records and Archives Management, Student Assessment, Keny