Murang’a County Government has unveiled plans to digitize its land services through a comprehensive census exercise that will pave way for the launch of a one-stop digital platform known as Murang’a App.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and funding from the World Bank under the Kenya Urban Support Programme Urban Institutional Grant.
At the centre of the exercise is a newly established Geographical Information System (GIS) Lab at the County Lands Offices in Murang’a Town.
The GIS system, which captures, stores, and analyzes geographical and spatial data, is expected to improve planning, enhance decision-making, and streamline service delivery in the land sector.
The county administration is planning to conduct a 10 day-census between September 15 and 26 across all 35 wards in the county.
During the collection of data, local residents are asked to provide accurate information to branded enumerators who will be stationed at various service delivery points.
The county government has assured the public that all information provided would remain confidential.
In a public notice, Governor Irungu Kang’ata stated that the exercise would be critical in transforming how land services are offered in Murang’a.
“The objectives of this census are clear. We want to give citizens quicker access to land records, licenses, and permits while allowing them to verify the information the county holds. This will also strengthen transparency and curb fraudulent practices such as fake permits and illegal land transactions,” he explained.
“With accurate information, we will enhance planning and decision-making in land management. At the same time, we will ensure safe and long-term storage of citizens’ land records, which will bring order and efficiency to county systems,” he added.
The ultimate goal is the creation of the Murang’a App, a digital hub that will consolidate all land-related services in one platform.
Kang’ata said the app would reduce bureaucracy in land offices. “This app will bring services closer to the people. Instead of moving from one office to another, our residents will be able to access their land information instantly through a digital platform,” he indicated.
In preparation for the census, the county government has invited applications for short-term enumerators to assist with the data collection exercise.
Governor Kang’ata urged Murang’a residents to cooperate fully with the enumerators, stressing that their participation would determine the success of the programme.
“We are asking every household to support this exercise. Your data will remain safe and will be used to improve the way your county government manages land services,” he assured.
By Bernard Munyao
