Tacit Knowledge Transfer for Posterity in Kenya: A Case of Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study examined tacit knowledge transfer for posterity at Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services (KNADS). Despite the importance of tacit knowledge transfer, inadequate strategies exist for knowledge is transferred at the KNADS for posterity. The purpose of this study was to assess tacit knowledge transfer for posterity at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services. The study was guided by four specific objectives, which were: to establish sources of knowledge at the KNADS; to determine the strategies for transferring tacit knowledge at the KNADS; to examine the institutional policy framework for tacit knowledge transfer at the KNADS; and to establish the challenges of tacit knowledge transfer at the KNADS. The study utilized a descriptive survey design. Since the study population was small, the census method was used, where all 150 employees were selected as the sample size for the study. Of the 150 respondents, 8 of them, being senior managers at the KNADS, were included in the study as the key informants. Primary data for the study were collected by utilizing structured questionnaires and an interview guide. To confirm the validity and reliability of the instruments, a pilot study involving 15 employees from the Kenya National Museum Library, equivalent to 10% of the study population, was carried out. The Cronbach's alpha test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments, and a value of more than 0.70 was regarded as reliable. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study findings were presented through the use of frequency tables and charts. Among the key findings were that the core feature of successfully transferring knowledge and reusing it is through a learning strategy. Other findings were that teamwork, information communication technology (ICT), also facilitates tacit transfer, social networking, and online discussions and forums among individuals. The study concluded that successful transfer of knowledge is through a group learning strategy, through teamwork, and effective communication between staff. The study recommends that KNADS expand its efforts to capture and digitize tacit knowledge; actively seek and foster collaborations and partnerships with national and international institutions and organizations; create an enabling environment for collaboration and group learning; and invest in ICT infrastructure and tools that enable efficient tacit knowledge sharing and management.
Description
“A Research Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Knowledge Management) In the Department of Computing and Information Science, School Of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University. November, 2025
Supervisor
Wekalao Ben Namande