The Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has called on the government to adequately utilize technology through the digitization of land records to curb the issue of fraud within the sector.
Speaking during the Pre-Annual General Meeting (AGM) conference in Mombasa ISK President Eric Nyadimo said that the perennial problem is as a result of a lack of proper access to data.
“No land should have more than one title deed. The fact that we have not digitized properly our land records, sometimes you can have a situation where land is being surveyed more than once and because the records are not kept properly it can result to such cases like two title deeds for a single land hence, we must use technology to see all the land in perspective,” he said.
He noted that the Ministry of Land should complete the digitization process since the country now has access to technology and this will solve fraud.
Nyadimo commended the government for its unwavering support towards the land sector through various initiatives including the introduction of the National Land Commission (NLC) to strengthen land issues such as allocation of land thus ensuring smooth operations within the sector.
He added the introduction of the Environment and Land court came in handy as there are over 50 judges who help in resolving land cases.
He said plans are underway to include alternative dispute resolution in solving land disputes.
Themed, Appointing Space and Needs: Green Land Management Options for Prosperity, the two-day forum will offer a critical platform for professionals in the land and built environment sector to deliberate, innovate and craft solutions that meet the current demands.
Nyadimo noted that during the forum, participants will explore how Kenya can better apportion land and space to serve diverse and growing needs especially in urban and semi-urban contexts hence key discussions will focus on land governance, sustainable valuation practices, modern cadastral systems and community-centered spatial planning.
Additionally, he highlighted that the institution seeks to propose practical, professional and policy driven solutions to tackle complex challenges facing the sector including leveraging geospatial technologies and land information systems.
This he added will strengthen institutional collaboration for land use planning and advocating for policies that support green infrastructure and climate resilient development.
ISK has also launched the strategic plan 2025-2028 that is aimed towards advancing the highest professional standards in surveying, property and land management as well as sensitizing and educating the public, government and other stakeholders on proper land practices.
Nyadimo noted that ISK is committed to partner with stakeholders to make cities and human settlements to be inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
He added the institution will collaborate with stakeholders to take action to combat climate change and its impacts while also conserving and suitable use of ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
“We are seeking to offer practical solutions with emphasis on how we can leverage technology, strengthen institutional collaborations and advocate for policies that will support green infrastructure and climate resilient development,” he added.
He noted that they will deliberate, innovate and craft solutions that will meet the demands for today and secure the integrity for tomorrow; apportioning space and needs and the delicate balance between the competing resources and requirements.
On land adjudication, he called upon the government to involve the private sector to offer solutions within a specified period of time.
He reiterated that the system that was being used then is now outdated stating the need to get new data and progress on the matter.
Nyadimo also said that lack of land mapping has caused challenges of encroachment of natural resources like forests urging the government to map out these areas for them to be properly managed and used.
By Chari Suche and Nuru Soud
