An agreement between the Sultanate and the Republic of Kenya

His Excellency Dr. Hassan Wardo , Kenyan minister of Sports and Culture, briefed on theSultanate’s experience in the field of documents and archives management on a visit toThe National Records and archives Authority headquarter.His Excellency Dr. Hassan Waru Kenyan minister of Sport and Culture, and His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Mohammad Al-Dhoyani head of the National Archives and Records Authority signed a an agreement between the two countries in the field of documentation and archives at The National Archives and Records Authority headquarter during his visit to the Sultanate which will continue until Sunday 2 November 2014. This memorandum states that copies of the Omani documents existing in Kenya should be brought to the Sultanate. Scientific researches and studies related to the domain of records management and archives should be exchanged. This memorandum allows both sides to start new researches and studies. It also permits the Kenyan government to transfer the Omani experiences in the domain of archives and documents management and organization, and benefit from the authority experiences in using digital devices to manage and save its works. The memorandum also includes mutual cooperation in between the two countries in the field of documents and archives, and the exchange of experiences and the establishment of joint activities, such as training, rehabilitation and exhibitions, seminars and conferences. It would provide an opportunity for Omani researchers to explore documents in the study of historical relations between the two countries.His Excellency Dr. Hassan Wardo was briefed on the experience of the Sultanate in the area of documentation and archives, through visual presentations to publicize the works and activities of the authority (NRAA) and its most important objectives, as well as to provide him with an overview on the comprehensive management of documents and archives.  An additional visual presentation was introduced to the convoy on electronic documents’ management system and correspondence which was launched in 2013 to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental institutions in the management of electronic documents (EDRMS). The presentation included spots on the services that the authority provides to its community members using information technology. As well as providing guests with presentations on the internal electronic storage management system and new methods and mechanisms the authority has started using to electronically explore documents. His excellency Dr. Hassan Wardo and his companions met the head of the NRAA in the ministry library at the beginning of their visit to the authority. His Excellency, the President of the authority, lectured on the fundamental role the National Records and Archives Authority is playing to preserve the Omani history and archives.  His Excellency added that all nations seek to highlight the features of their civilization and history, inventing ways to manage their records and archives. He praised the activities that the authority is doing to preserve the glorious history of Oman and to make it accessible by all world communities. Also, he evoked the authority’s contributions in revealing the historical and cultural aspects of the sultanate through the regular organization of seminar at local and international levels. He talked about the contributions of the authority in shedding lights on the historical and cultural aspects of the Sultanate through the establishment of documentary exhibits through local and international seminars. His Excellency, head of the (NRAA), also spoke about the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in the field of documents and archives, which would promotes the exchange of experiences between the two sides in this domain.His Excellency Dr. Hassan Wardo, minister of Sports and Culture of Kenya lectured  on the importance of the authority in the preservation of documents and archives and praised the significant role it has  played in this regard , pointing to the significant progress made by the authority  to preserve documents and archives locally and internationally. The minister also stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration between both nations, and hoped that this would improve significantly after singing the memorandum, and urged both sides to exchange experiences and visits through seminars and exhibitions. The guest and his companions headed to the General Directorate to take a walk in its halls then they were given an overview on the most important activities of the directorate. Guests were briefed on the work of the private documents section and the various mechanisms used in conservation and management. The directorate staff also briefed the guest and his convoy on how to configure the documents before visiting Microfilm Section and the activities related to it. The Kenyan guest and his companions continued their tour as they entered the General Directorate for Research and went through samples of documents on its most important activities, and got an overall ideas on the necessary steps to prepare documentary exhibitions and how to select and sort out the needed documents for a show and the equipment used to print all the needed documents. The guests were also introduced to the Vocal History Project. This project will enable the authority to document and preserve a big portion of the Omani precious Oral history and the written documents as well. This visit allowed the guests to have an idea on the equipment used in the recording studio and the digital tools that the technicians use to store the Scientific, cultural, social, political, economic, intellectual, and literary inventories that are still kept in human memories. The convoy was introduced to the latest ways used to refine and sterilize documents in laboratories equipped with the latest technologies.