The Global Bridge: How Mentorship Reshaped My Journey in Records Management

When I was named a Cohort 1 nominee in the KARMA Talent Development Programme, I knew I had been given a valuable opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. What I did not anticipate was how much the experience would broaden my perspective of Records and Information Management and connect me with professionals beyond Kenya.

The programme has given me an opportunity to network and learn from seasoned professionals from around the globe. A significant part of this journey has been being paired with an exceptional mentor, Leanne Dunn, an experienced Information Manager from Australia. Our cross-continental mentorship has given me the opportunity to learn from a different professional environment, while also reflecting on how these experiences and practices relate to the Records and Information Management landscape here in Kenya.

Through this mentorship, we have explored technical areas such as EDMS, digital transformation, records management policies and procedures, and the emerging role of AI in information management. Beyond the technical knowledge, the mentorship has also helped me improve my communication skills, build my confidence and broaden my perspective on the role of Records and Information Managers within an organisation. I have been inspired to continue learning and to view Records and Information Management as a profession that is continually evolving alongside technology.

I am now excited to have started a new chapter as a Records and Information Management Intern at the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) in Kenya. This role is giving me an opportunity to apply what I have learned throughout the mentorship while gaining a deeper understanding of the practical realities of records management. Working in an environment where many processes are still manual has particularly strengthened my interest in digital transformation and modern information management.

I am grateful to KARMA, RIMPA Global and Leanne for their guidance, encouragement and the opportunities they have given me to grow thus far. I am excited to keep learning, developing within the profession and, in time, giving back to the broader Records and Information Management community.