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Kenyan Counties Embrace Advanced GIS Training to Strengthen Land Governance
The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), in collaboration with the National Land Commission (NLC), Council of Governors, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with funding from European Union - Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Digital Land Governance continues to advance county-level capacity building through the Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing Training for Counties.
Launched officially on April 14, 2025, at RCMRD by the Chairman of the National Land Commission, Mr. Gershom Otachi, the training programme is designed to empower county government officers with geospatial skills that are critical for modern land governance, sustainable development, and effective public service delivery. The second cohort of county officials commenced training on April 28, drawing participants from across Kenya’s 47 counties. The final batch is scheduled to begin from May 5 to 9.
Launched officially on April 14, 2025, at RCMRD by the Chairman of the National Land Commission, Mr. Gershom Otachi, the training programme is designed to empower county government officers with geospatial skills that are critical for modern land governance, sustainable development, and effective public service delivery. The second cohort of county officials commenced training on April 28, drawing participants from across Kenya’s 47 counties. The final batch is scheduled to begin from May 5 to 9.
A group photo of participants in the 1st cohort during the training at RCMRD, Nairobi
In his remarks during the launch, Mr. Otachi underscored the importance of geospatial data in evidence-based policymaking, particularly in land governance and environmental management. He emphasized that the training will support the creation of a comprehensive public land inventory and promote the efficient and transparent use of land resources.
Chairman of the National Land Commission, Mr. Gershom Otachi,giving his keynote speech during the official opening of the training
Ms. Kabale Tache, MBS, Chief Executive Officer of the National Land Commission, also affirmed the Commission’s commitment to integrating geospatial technology in public land management, stating.
“At the National Land Commission, we are fully embracing these advancements to better manage our natural resources and develop a comprehensive public land inventory. Our goal is to ensure that land use is optimized for the benefit of all citizens, fostering transparency and accountability in land governance''
The training is part of the wider Digital Land Governance Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening counties’ ability to integrate geospatial data and technologies into land administration, planning, and resource management. To date, over 200 county officials have already been trained, with more expected in the coming weeks.
Underway at RCMRD’s in Kasarani, Nairobi, the programme offers participants practical, hands-on experience in geospatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Trainees learn to analyze and interpret spatial data, map land use patterns, and apply geospatial knowledge to support evidence-based planning and public service delivery.
Underway at RCMRD’s in Kasarani, Nairobi, the programme offers participants practical, hands-on experience in geospatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Trainees learn to analyze and interpret spatial data, map land use patterns, and apply geospatial knowledge to support evidence-based planning and public service delivery.
The training also focuses on enhancing the transparency, efficiency, and accountability of county-level land governance. Officials are being equipped to develop comprehensive public land inventories and implement policies that promote resilience, sustainability, and data-driven development.
By the end of the programme, counties will be better positioned to deliver accurate and timely services, improve institutional capacity, and strengthen citizen engagement. As a leading regional institution in geospatial science and technology, RCMRD continues to play a key role in building technical capacity for its member States.
By the end of the programme, counties will be better positioned to deliver accurate and timely services, improve institutional capacity, and strengthen citizen engagement. As a leading regional institution in geospatial science and technology, RCMRD continues to play a key role in building technical capacity for its member States.
Through this initiative, RCMRD is enabling counties to harness GIS and remote sensing as powerful tools for addressing local challenges—from urban planning and climate resilience to natural resource management and land dispute resolution. As a direct outcome of the Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing Training, counties are expected to apply the acquired geospatial skills in real-world governance scenarios that directly impact service delivery and citizen welfare. These include digitizing land records to improve data accuracy and accessibility, thereby streamlining land administration and reducing bureaucratic delays.
Additionally, county officials will be better equipped to map and monitor public land, enabling the development of comprehensive land inventories essential for planning and regulation. The training will also support improved land dispute resolution through spatial evidence, enhanced urban and rural planning, and climate-resilient resource management, ensuring that geospatial technology becomes a cornerstone of data-driven, transparent, and accountable land governance.
Additionally, county officials will be better equipped to map and monitor public land, enabling the development of comprehensive land inventories essential for planning and regulation. The training will also support improved land dispute resolution through spatial evidence, enhanced urban and rural planning, and climate-resilient resource management, ensuring that geospatial technology becomes a cornerstone of data-driven, transparent, and accountable land governance.
