Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has called for the adoption of digital technologies and accurate spatial data to improve land administration and governance in Kenya.
Speaking in Kajiado during the official flag-off of the National GIS Champions Training under the Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP), Lenku said Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were key to solving land administration challenges such as poor records, disputes and unplanned development.
“GIS provides practical solutions to many of the challenges facing land governance. We must build institutions that rely on accurate data rather than assumptions,” he said.
Lenku cited that the GIS laboratory at Kajiado Ardhi House had improved the county’s ability to collect and manage spatial data, helping map land parcels and issue lease titles to more than 36,800 landowners.
The county has also digitised adjudication sections, supported land-use planning and strengthened development control, while using GIS to map water resources, wildlife corridors and wetlands.
The governor remarked that Kajiado had made progress through its County Spatial Plan and Integrated Urban Development Plans for Kajiado, Kitengela and Ngong, which are guiding orderly growth and investment.
On land disputes, Lenku said Alternative Justice Systems had helped resolve hundreds of cases, including a recent reconciliation between two groups from Mailua Group Ranch after 16 years of conflict.
He urged the GIS champions to use their training to promote evidence-based governance and called on county officers to fully utilise the equipment, software and skills provided through the programme.
“The future of land governance in Kenya is digital, collaborative and data-driven,” he said.
Lenku acknowledged the support of the national government, the FAO, the European Union and the Council of Governors in implementing the DLGP.
Kajiado, Nairobi, Kiambu and Narok counties form Cluster Six under the programme, with Kajiado hosting the regional FAO coordination office.
He reaffirmed Kajiado County’s commitment to working with the national government, development partners and other counties to strengthen land governance and promote sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Governors (CoG) Chief Executive Officer, Director Irine Ogamba emphasised that accurate and reliable geospatial data is critical for evidence-based planning and improved service delivery.
She noted that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are cross-cutting tools that integrate data from various county departments and are not limited to the land sector. Ogamba said effective use of GIS would strengthen governance, planning and decision-making while also enhancing Own Source Revenue (OSR) collection across county governments.
By Diana Meneto
