Land stakeholders convened in Murang’a County this week to deliberate on the digitization of land records and the adoption of the Ardhisasa system within the county. The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning organized the forum to strengthen collaboration among institutions. They aimed to share public land data more effectively.
Ardhisasa Rollout Gains Momentum Nationwide
This engagement followed similar forums previously held in Mombasa and Isiolo counties. It forms part of the government’s ongoing nationwide rollout of Ardhisasa. The platform serves as Kenya’s digital land information management system. It is designed to modernize land services and enhance transparency for all citizens.
Broad Institutional Participation at Murang’a Forum
The meeting took place at Nokras Riverine Hotel in Murang’a. It attracted a broad range of participants. Attendees included officials from the Murang’a County Government and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). Representatives from the National Land Commission (NLC), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Prisons, and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) were also present, among others.
The forums primarily aim to create awareness of Ardhisasa’s benefits. They encourage institutions to integrate and share land data. During the discussions, participants reviewed existing land datasets. They identified gaps and challenges and explored opportunities to improve the digitization of land records.
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NLIMS Calls for Collective Ownership of Digital Transformation
Addressing the forum, National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) Director Monica Obongo stressed the need for shared responsibility in driving digital transformation.
“It is my hope that these engagements will bear fruit. We shall see increased land transactions and registration of more landowners across the country,” said Obongo, while acknowledging the support provided through the FAO–EU Digital Land Governance Programme.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha highlighted the importance of involving the public in land-related processes.
“Public participation is critical in land processes. I urge all public institutions to collaborate in identifying and safeguarding public land in this area,” said the County Commissioner.
FAO Natural Resources Management Specialist Michael Gitonga emphasized the role of partnerships and technology in strengthening land governance.
“FAO recognizes the critical role of collaboration and is committed to enhancing efficient and effective land governance through the digitization of land records and processes,” said Gitonga. He attended the forum alongside FAO Project Assistant Nancy Cheruiyot.
Senior Government Officials Lend Support to the Initiative
Through the FAO–EU Digital Land Governance Programme, FAO continues to provide strong international support for Kenya’s land reform agenda. The programme seeks to equip stakeholders—ranging from government institutions to individual landowners—with the tools, infrastructure, and policy framework required for a secure and seamless transition to digital land management.
The forum also drew participation from Land Secretary Sarah Maina and senior officials from the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, including Jesse Waithaka (Director, Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping), Cyrus Mbogo (Director, Central Planning), Janerose Karanja (Director, HR & Management), Leonard Maritim (Director, ICT), John Maina (Senior Deputy Director of Surveys), Betty Atieno (Murang’a County Land Coordinator), Elizabeth Njoroge (Deputy Director, Land Administration), and Jibril Adan (Head of Public Communications), among others.
Ardhisasa Set to Transform Access to Land Services
With the introduction of Ardhisasa, Kenyans will no longer face long queues, missing files, or the influence of corrupt intermediaries. Users can now access land records, apply for services, and verify property ownership through a simple digital process.
The engagements held in Mombasa, Isiolo, and Murang’a represent a significant milestone in the transformation of land services across the country. They demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered land administration system that empowers all Kenyans and leaves no one behind.
