Services to Researchers
Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service, one of the leading archival institutions in East, Central and Southern Africa (excluding south Africa) has some of the best research facilities on the continent (UNESCO report 1992).Computerized information indexes accessed directly by researchers on the on-line service, a competent and efficient research-faster facilitating team and state-of-the-art equipment e.g. Microfilm Reader/Printer have made information retrieval easier, faster and much more efficient.Scholars, researchers, administrators, policy makers and members of the public are encouraged to make use of these facilities and exploit the vital information resource in this institution.Other services include:
Distant Researchers and Enquirers:
For distant researchers, the fax and e-mail and Internet facilities have made enquiries cheaper, faster and convenient. (See back page for addresses).
Copying Facilities
Researchers are normally allowed to make copies either from microfilms or hard copy materials, but subject to the conditions outlined in the laid-down regulations for users.
Requisition of Documents:
Except for Ministries, departments, Parastatal bodies and Local Authorities which can requisition their own files and documents which they had transferred to the KNA&DS, all archival materials in the custody of KNA&DS can only be consulted in the department’s Searchroom and cannot be loaned out.
In the area of education, historical films and video shows are organized for schools, visiting teams and members of the public on the premises, free of charge.Conducted tours of the KNA&DS Art Gallery – which features a permanent exhibition, and lectures on selected subjects in history are given to these teams on request.This forms part of the continuing education on the value of the various archival sources of information for all our prospective users.These lectures to schools and colleges are tailored according to their syllabi.
Our out reach publicity programme through brochures and newsletter sent to all the schools in the country (except those in the far-flung districts in North Eastern) encourages the schools, colleges and other institutions of learning to visit KNA&DS.This is intended to educate the young generation on our information heritage as potential users.
Tourists stand to benefit from our research and education service by sampling the variety of the African art, material culture and Kenyan history displayed in the Art Gallery.