Nakuru taps into satellite-based technology to map county resources

Nakuru, Tuesday, July 4,

KNA by Esther Mwangi/Merceline Khaemba

Nakuru County Government is working on a Smartphone-driven and web-enabled Geographical Information System (GIS) platform designed to map out the County’s resources for sound planning and prudent management of the local resources.  

Acting County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura said the intervention is well timed to provide the County with reliable and accurate information for sound planning, informed decision making and improved service delivery.

Dr. Mwaura said the GIS platform has a big potential to help the County governments raise more revenue as it involves resource mapping and tracking.

He noted that the County was grappling with the question of generating more revenue to supplement the allocations from the National Government and to fill the budget deficit.

Dr Mwaura said the GIS system would ensure the digitalization of service delivery and enhanced revenue collection for effective planning through provision of spatial data and information to departments for strategic decision-making.

He voiced Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to embracing spatial technologies in the management of the county administration affairs as envisaged by the County Governments Act 2012 which requires the devolved units to adopt the technologies.

According to the County Government Act (2012) Part XI, Para 110, all counties are expected to create a GIS database for integrated planning.

GIS uses location-based data collected via satellites, paper maps, and directly from the field through mobile positioning devices to map out resources for analysis and decision-making.

Speaking during a GIS consultative meeting between the County Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development and Esri East Africa, Dr Mwaura said the technology would help the County government in supporting prudent management and allocation of resources while also facilitating rational decision-making processes.  

“By use of geographic information, the county government will be able to make informed decisions when it comes to planning and distributing projects equitably,” added Dr Mwaura.

He stated that the County government would leverage on the technology to cut costs and increase physical space adding that GIS platform is a database of resources and challenges upon which county planning should be based while allowing tracking of government fund use of public projects.

“The satellite technology will enable us to monitor our programmes and thus ensure their implementation. It is one way of automating services with the aim of improving efficiency as well as sealing loopholes through which public funds are lost,” he added.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning Mr. John Kihagi observed that the technology would be deployed in identifying areas in dire need of road connection or department that requires urgent support in terms of funding among other things.   

The system will also be instrumental in streamlining the budgeting process and give evidence-based development needs to the people, thereby attracting support from development partners according to the CECM.

Kihagi said GIS will help the County Government to manage resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the residents including forest areas, water, minerals, wildlife, and wetlands through developed spatial plans. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A