E-records management readiness for implementation of e-government in local authorities of Singida Municipal Council

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study that explored the state of e-records management in supporting e-government in Tanzania Local Government Authorities with specific reference to the Singida Municipal Council (SMC). This qualitative study employed a case study design to collect data using interviews, observations, group discussions and documentary review. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Thirty-two respondents were purposively selected to participate in the study. The study findings indicated that the state of e-records management readiness was not effective to enhance e-governance. This was because the SMC did not have an e-records management system, inadequate professional record personnel, information and communication technologies (ICT) policies, guidelines and procedures. E-readiness was affected by the low number of technical staff, inadequate resources and budget dedicated to the e-records management unit and lack of storage space and facilities to execute e-records management. Finally, the study established a framework for effective adoption of e-records management as a platform for implementing e-government in local authorities. The study recommends for the SMC to improve e-records management practices by bridging the knowledge gap among record staff, ICT staff and secretaries. In addition, the SMC should hire qualified staff, trained staff in house on e-records management, develop and implement ICT policies and prioritise records management by adequately budgeting for ICT infrastructures to kick-start the transformation process.