Kisumu rolls out Sh35m GIS to boost planning, service delivery

OWEN YIMBO AND VALLERY NYAGAKA-KNA

The County Government of Kisumu has rolled out a Sh35 million Geographic Information System (GIS) aimed at transforming land governance, urban planning and service delivery as the lakeside city accelerates its transition to digital administration.

The modern system, established with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO) and partners, will enable the county to digitize land records, monitor development in real time and strengthen planning across multiple sectors.

Speaking during the launch in Kisumu, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Charles Konyango said the technology marks a major shift from the manual land management systems that have historically slowed development control and decision-making.

“The GIS is transforming Kisumu into a digital platform in terms of governance and management,” said Konyango.

He explained that the system integrates advanced mapping technology with spatial data to create a digital database of land parcels, infrastructure and public facilities across the county.

According to the lands executive, the new platform is already enabling county officials to process development applications faster and monitor compliance with approved plans.

“For example, if someone applies for a building permit, the statutory period for processing is 60 days. Through the GIS system we have reduced that to about one week,” Konyango said.

Once permits are issued, the county can also use the same platform to track construction progress and ensure developers comply with approved plans.

The system has allowed the county to scan and digitise land records and georeferenced key public facilities including Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, health facilities, water points and disaster-prone areas.

Konyango said the data will help guide policy formulation, infrastructure planning and budgeting.

“In terms of planning and investment, we can now know where facilities exist, how many people they serve and where new ones should be located,” Konyango said.

He added that the system will also support disaster preparedness by mapping flood-prone zones and other risk areas, enabling authorities to plan early warning systems and response strategies.

Beyond land governance, the GIS platform, he said, is expected to improve county revenue collection by providing accurate mapping of properties and developments across Kisumu.

This, he said, will help identify ratable properties, track new developments and seal revenue leakages that previously existed due to incomplete land records.

He said the technology is also being integrated into the city’s broader smart infrastructure initiatives, including traffic management and public safety monitoring.

Konyango noted that data generated through the GIS laboratory can help monitor incidents across the city, including traffic violations and accidents, as Kisumu expands its digital management systems.

The GIS laboratory itself was established at a cost of about Sh35 million covering hardware, projectors and other infrastructure, while the county continues to pay annual software licensing fees.