FAO calls for speedy digitisation, land reforms
By Wycliffe Kipsang, August 1, 2025The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) convened a crucial land governance progress review meeting in Uasin Gishu County aimed at strengthening land administration systems in the North Rift.
Chaired by FAO Programme Manager Husna Mbarak, the meeting brought together members of the County Executive and land officers from the region.
Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties have been beneficiaries of the FAO-backed initiatives targeting critical aspects of digital land governance programme.
These include digitisation of land records, establishment of land registries, development of GIS (Geographic Information System) laboratories, capacity building for staff and support for county-level land policy frameworks.
“Counties have made commendable progress in institutional capacity, but we must prioritise registry digitisation through Ardhi Sasa and address the complexity of community land registration,” said Mbarak.
She noted that community land remains one of the most pressing and underserved areas in Kenya’s land governance landscape.
“FAO encourages counties to intensify advocacy and resource mobilisation to fast-track these efforts,” said the official.
She reiterated FAO’s commitment to providing technical support to counties in navigating the legal and operational hurdles around community land adjudication, titling and conflict resolution.
On his part, Uasin Gishu County Lands Executive Edward Sawe lauded the impact of FAO’s programmes on institutional reform and service delivery.
“Through FAO’s support, we have enhanced our ability to serve the public more efficiently, from modern GIS tools to trained personnel. What we need now is deeper integration of digital platforms and stronger focus on community land management,” said Sawe.
Lands Chief Officer Julius Koech noted that urban planning should not be left behind in these discussions. He stressed the importance of aligning land governance with urban development, particularly the implementation of the Integrated Development and Expansion Plan (IDEP) for Eldoret City.
The forum came up with a raft of recommendations for increased county-level lobbying for funding, especially for community land mapping, digital transformation and urban land policy development.
The gathering also provided a platform for counties to share best practices and challenges in implementing land governance reforms.
FAO continues to support the government and counties through its Land Governance Programme, a flagship initiative.