Kwale County has launched a new digital platform portal designed to streamline the application and processing of business permits and citizen services.
The online platform service dubbed ‘Kwale Electronic Development Application Permit System’ (KEDAPS) aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and user experience in these areas.
This new system through the Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Urban Planning in conjunction with the Finance and ICT Department, replaces the outdated manual process, offering a faster, more efficient, and transparent way for residents and investors to submit and track development proposals.
Governor Fatuma Achani says the initiative is part of the devolved government’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting digital transformation within its various agencies.
Achani said the new initiative forms a key part of her administration’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, enhancing operational efficiency, and significantly improving service delivery to the public.
“The new digital system is designed to reduce delays and offer a more user-friendly experience,” she said.
She said the new digital platform is designed to streamline the application and processing of citizen- and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround times and improved user experience.
Achani says she has been at the forefront in ensuring digitisation of services to improve its systems and be in line with the tech world and notes that the system will be of benefit to the residents of the Coastal County at large.
The governor says the county government has in the past undertaken several initiatives to improve public service delivery with the use of technology and digital innovation.
She says through these digital initiatives, Kwale is pushing toward a more transparent, efficient and citizen-centred public service model.
“The introduction of this new system is a major step forward in the county’s digital transformation journey and is expected to benefit all stakeholders from individual landowners and small-scale developers to large investors and institutions,” said Achani.
Achani says the reforms aim to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and quality of regulatory services in Kwale, thus creating a business environment that fosters inclusive and sustainable transformation.
She urged stakeholders, business people and residents to embrace the innovation and seize the opportunities it presents to build a robust economy that was both safe and conducive for all.
Robert Nguma, the County senior ICT officer, also highlighted various benefits and simplicities that will come from KEDAPS launching.
“Through KEDAPS, users can now apply for development permits online from the comfort of their homes or offices, track the status of their applications in real time, and receive approvals electronically,” he said.
He said that this initiative by the county government of Kwale to digitalise the Development Application Permit System will be of great advantage to the county.
Nguma says the online application process is designed to significantly reduce turnaround times and eliminate the inconveniences that applicants have historically faced when obtaining county permits.
“The level of transparency and efficiency of this digital system will help curb corruption, improve service delivery, and ensure better planning and compliance with zoning and environmental regulation,” noted Macharia Thang’wa, County’s Principal Physical Planner.
“The new system will significantly reduce processing times, minimise paperwork, and enhance transparency in land development approvals,” he added.
The launch of KEDAPS reflects Kwale County’s commitment to modern governance, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
By simplifying procedures and removing unnecessary bottlenecks and middlemen, the county is creating a more enabling environment for economic growth and investment.
By Hussein Abdullahi
