Locally grounded competency framework for records and archives management in Kenya
Locally grounded competency framework for records and archives management in Kenya

Summary/Abstract: This article details the conceptualization and development of the Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) competency framework, a localized model specifically designed for records and archives management (RAM) professionals in Kenya. Grounded in the nation’s unique postcolonial and ongoing digital transformation context, the framework integrates the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF), Kenya’s public sector job classifications, and the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). A systematic approach involving document analysis and iterative alignment was employed to establish 4 distinct competency levels, each with sub-levels, meticulously mapped to national standards and incorporating diverse interdisciplinary responsibilities. The resulting KARMA framework effectively combines appropriate international practice with regional needs, ensuring practical utility in resource-constrained settings. It offers a scalable, context-sensitive model for professionalizing RAM in the Global South. The framework is not presented as a prescriptive blueprint; its generalizability beyond Kenya requires further national or regional adaptation. An implementation roadmap is outlined, including benchmarks and risk mitigation strategies, to guide adoption in public sector institutions and support continuing professional development.

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