The delivery of records management services in businesses is significantly influenced by records management models. However, many colleges don't take into account the implementation models while designing records management programs. In order to provide a model that universities can utilize to execute records management, this study examined the records management methods used by the universities in Kenya. Data was gathered via a questionnaire.  The findings shows that the best model that can be proposed to ensure effective management of student records in the academic registrar’s office in Kenyan universities should  take cognizance of the differences between public and private universities. In private and new universities, there is no need for standardization of storing records and creation and classification of records. Conversely, there was no need for creation and classification of records, storing records, use of information technology and challenges faced in the management of student records in old and new universities. The challenges faced in the management of student records and retrieval and communication of records should be harmonized between both private and public universities as well old and new universities. Exchange of best practices in these areas should also be undertaken in these areas. Once these areas are addressed, the effective management of students’ records in the universities would be realized.

This study assessed the management of student records in academic registrars’ offices in Kenyan universities. A descriptive survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. The study targeted 49 chartered private and public universities in Kenya. The researcher classified the universities into private and public, and further, into two sets; those in the western region and eastern region of Kenya. The researcher then purposively chose in each region the youngest and the oldest public universities and similarly private universities. Questionnaire was used in the collection of data. The findings show that were clear ways of storing students’ records.  However, the adoption of electronic records management was fifty-fifty. Though most of the universities had some form of electronic document use, some had not fully embraced electronic records management. The major challenges encountered were information breakdown from the registry, problems with credit control among others. The following recommendations were made based on the findings of this study; academic registrar’s office need to have a clear policy explaining the “who, where, when and what” of records management; there is need to avail adequate finance for record management processes starting from record creation, storage, communication and retrieval as well as disposal; right equipment such as cabinets, safes, locks, fire-extinguishers, trolleys, etc. should be procured; the university should develop and constantly upgrade recommended record management systems with extensive server capabilities to meet the needs of all students and other users; and members of staff should also be periodically trained to strengthen their capacity to handle the changing demands of record management as most of it migrates online.