Stakeholders Embrace Digital Transformation and Land Reforms in Murang’a

During a forum held this week in Murang’a County—organized by the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning—participants discussed the digitization of land services and the implementation of Ardhisasa. They concluded that the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) would greatly enhance transparency in land transactions.

Speaking at the forum, NLIMS Director Monica Obongo emphasized the importance of collective ownership in the digital transformation journey.

“It is my hope that these engagements will bear fruit. We shall see increased land transactions and more landowners registering across the country,” said Obongo, while acknowledging the support provided by the FAO–EU Digital Land Governance Programme.

Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha underscored the role of public participation in land matters.

“Public participation is critical in land processes. I urge all public institutions to collaborate in identifying and protecting public land in this area,” he said.

FAO Natural Resources Management Specialist Michael Gitonga highlighted the significance of partnerships and technology in improving land governance.

“FAO recognizes the critical role of collaboration and is committed to enhancing efficient and effective land governance through digitization of records and processes,” said Gitonga, who was joined by FAO Project Assistant Nancy Cheruiyot.

FAO’s support—provided through the FAO–EU Digital Land Governance Programme—demonstrates strong international backing for Kenya’s land reform agenda. The programme aims to equip stakeholders, from government agencies to individual landowners, with the tools, infrastructure, and policy frameworks needed for a seamless and secure transition to digital land management.

This forum follows similar engagements held recently in Mombasa and Isiolo counties. These events are part of a national initiative to expand Ardhisasa to all counties, with the goal of modernising land services and ensuring transparency for all Kenyans.

Central to the forum was the objective of sensitizing stakeholders on the benefits of Ardhisasa, while promoting data integration and institutional collaboration. Participants also reviewed existing land-related datasets, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in the digitization process.

With Ardhisasa, Kenyans will no longer endure long queues, misplaced files, or corrupt intermediaries. Accessing land records, applying for services, or verifying property ownership will now be just a few clicks away.

The forums held in Mombasa, Isiolo, and Murang’a mark significant progress toward transparent, efficient, and citizen-centred land services. They reflect the government’s vision for an inclusive digital transformation—one that empowers every Kenyan and ensures that no one is left behind.