Regional governments to digitise land systems, says Matiang’i

Kenya will continue to work closely with the Regional Centre of Mapping Resource Development (RCMRD) in the area of topographic mapping, establishment of National Geodetic Reference Framework and development of the Kenya National Spatial Data Infrastructure (KNSDI) Ag Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has said.

Dr Matiang’i urged member States to work in conjunction with the RCMRD which is based in Kasarani, Nairobi to tackle the various problems facing the lands sector by supporting Geospatial Data Development and Natural resources assessment and management.

Addressing delegates at the 49th meeting of the Governing Council, the Ag Land Secretary cited inadequate use of natural resources as a major challenge. He suggested effective solutions should be sought out in order to turn domestic land challenges into opportunities that determine optimal use of Land and create wealth.

He said the ideals upon which RCMRD was established include the spirit of Pan Africanism, regional integration and pooling of scarce resources of our countries to have a center of excellence to help provide technical support, capacity development programmes and project implementation.

Dr Matiang’i said Kenya has adopted a Management Programme titled “Project Mwangaza” to facilitate Digitization of the Land management system through Geospatial information in the Country.

Up to 17 countries are participating in this year’s conference. They include Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Namibia. Rwanda will host next year’s conference. (By Monicah Wairimu and Ruth Ogendi)