A previous paper (ARD 23, pp.6-13) has described the initial phases of Kenya's programme to locate and describe documents in the United Kingdom relating to its history and development. These documents, it was noted, have accumulated in Britain since the nineteenth century as a natural consequence of correspondence, in the course of colonial administration, and by direct removal. This situation is not unique and applies in many other former colonial territories. Thus, while Kenya's programme has significance in its own right, it also has implications for other Commonwealth countries.

The aim of Kenya's programme has been two-fold. Firstly, it was established to provide the Kenya Government with a full picture of the extent of relevant documentation in Britain in order that priorities might be set for the supplementation of Kenya's archival holdings through a copying programme.