Trans nzoia: The County Government of Trans Nzoia has embarked on the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to enhance service delivery and resource management. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency in county operations and planning processes.
According to Kenya News Agency, technical staff in Trans Nzoia underwent a three-day sensitization training on the use of GIS, organized by the county government and funded by the European Union under the Digital Land Governance Programme. The training was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which emphasized the importance of GIS in improving land governance.
FAO Regional Representative Ms. Linda Achieng highlighted that the program aims to digitize land records and processes, allowing counties to integrate data across departments and improve planning. She noted that GIS is a timely intervention for strengthening service delivery and resource management, citing Vihiga County as a pioneer of the program in Kenya.
Ms. Beatrice Wangila, Trans Nzoia County Director for Physical Planning and FAO Programme Coordinator, underscored the significance of GIS mapping in addressing current challenges. She explained that GIS will enable better planning, equitable service delivery, and informed decision-making based on spatial evidence. The long-term vision is for counties to utilize GIS platforms for planning and resource management over the next five to ten years, aligning with Vision 2030.
FAO facilitators, Mr. Kevin Ochieng and Mr. Anthony Ndubi, discussed the practical benefits of GIS, such as supporting health facility placement, road maintenance, water access, and revenue collection. They emphasized the importance of building capacity, promoting data sharing, and enhancing collaboration across departments.
Veronica Wanyora, a representative from the Council of Governors and one of the facilitators, stated that GIS is essential for sectoral planning. In health, it can identify disease hotspots and optimal locations for new facilities. In infrastructure, it helps determine which roads require maintenance. In water management, it highlights communities lacking access to clean water.
