Nakuru County Government is taking a significant step in its efforts to boost its development by establishing a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory. The laboratory is expected to enable the county to collect data digitally, improve development planning and management, and provide investors with access to essential land information.

Ms. Catherine Changwony, the Chief Officer in charge of Lands, indicated that the GIS system would help the devolved unit obtain information on natural resources, social facilities, and management of human resources. She also mentioned that the GIS laboratory would support Governor Susan Kihika’s manifesto to digitize access to essential services and shorten the time and reduce the cost of accessing services.

The GIS laboratory will provide a platform for storing and managing digital data on development projects in various sectors such as water, education, health, roads, rangelands, environment, and natural resources. The technology will play a significant role in decision-making processes during planning and resource allocation for the Annual Development Plan (ADP).

Ms. Changwony noted that GIS technology is critical for Africa, which is still grappling with various challenges such as unplanned settlements, degraded rangelands, inadequate infrastructure, low-quality development projects, and poor monitoring systems. She added that the technology would help streamline monitoring of development projects and ensure equitable resource allocation based on evidence.

The Chief Officer explained that GIS uses location-based data to map out resources for analysis and decision-making. It collects data through satellites, paper maps, and mobile positioning devices. By utilizing geographic data, Nakuru county government will be able to make informed decisions when it comes to planning and distributing projects equitably.

The GIS technology will enable the county administration to manage resources effectively and efficiently for the benefit of its residents, including forest areas, water, minerals, wildlife, and wetlands, through developed spatial plans. It will also help streamline the budgeting process and give evidence-based development needs to the people, thereby attracting support from development partners.

The GIS laboratory will be an essential tool for Nakuru County Government in its efforts to enhance its development planning and management processes. The technology will enable the county to make informed decisions when planning and distributing projects equitably. It will also help streamline monitoring of development projects and ensure equitable resource allocation based on evidence.