Records Management and Access to Information: Key to Fostering Accountability, Good Governance and Protection of Human Rights in Tanzania

Abstract

This article discusses the role of records in fostering accountability,good governance and the protection of human rights. The articleaddresses the inter-relationships between recordkeeping, accountability,good governance and the protection of human rights. It exploresthe issues of access to information contained in records and its role inthe protection of human rights. The article also underscores the roleof records management in the implementation of public servicereform programmes in Tanzania and the role of the National Archivesof Tanzania in promoting public accountability. The article noted thatthe absence of a records management policy and an access toinformation law in Tanzania has affected the records managementpractices and access to information. The article also established thatdue to lack of an access to information law, Tanzanian governmentministries, and departments do not feel legally obliged to give citizensaccess to the vital information they hold. The article proposes a wayforward which includes strengthening the records management practices,promotion of access to information laws and training of recordsmanagement staff in the public service in Tanzania.