Challenges of Digital Preservation of Information: A Case of Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service, Kenya

Abstract

Across the world an increasing number of organizations face national and institutional obligations in relation to collection and preservation of digital objects. Digital preservation is a major problem facing information centers all over the world. Most of information centers in the third world countries are faced with issues in digital preservation of information.

With the advancement of digital technologies, computer-based apparatus has become dominant forces to shape and reshape record systems and services. The application of information technologies in record management and services have become key to satisfying ever changing complex information demand and expectation of users at Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service (KNADS). The application of digital preservation has been confronted with a number of challenges such as, Media Deterioration, technological obsolescence, Funding, Computer Phobia, technical Expertise, Inadequate Technology Infrastructures, Information Security, Lack of National Information Policy (NIP) in Kenya, Copyright and Cost Issues, Virus Attacks. Therefore, the study sought to assess the implications of these challenges. The research study employed the use of a descriptive research design with a target population of 50 respondents from The Kenya National Archives Nairobi Office which included 10 Middle level managers and 40 operational managers at Kenya National Archives Nairobi Office. The study involved all 50 employees as its sample size since the number was small and representation of all was required, semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analysed through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. From this result it implied that challenges faced in implementing digital preservation practice had influence on the ease of access and use of information at KNADS. The coefficient of determination was calculated, r square was 0.229, indicating that the two variables share 22.9 percent of their variance. This means that there was evidence of overlap between the two variables. The study therefore concluded that KNADS has quite a number of challenges to overcome for it to realize digital preservation. Insufficient funding in the organization was established to be a major setback since Digital Preservation technologies required huge capital and human investment. Lack of information policy was cited as another impediment for KNADS to accomplish digital preservation project.