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Peter Koima September 30, 2019

EXCHANGE VISIT ON GEO-SPACIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

On 15th May 2019, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang accompanied by the outgoing FAO representative in Kenya Dr. Gabriel Rugalema launched the first ever Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) labaratory in the county, a project poised to help in development of county’s spatial plan that will guide the development of urban areas and ensure proper utilisation of land resources in the county.

Today, led by Ag. CECM for Lands, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change (LENRC) Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat, Nandi Physical Planners, Land Surveyors and GIS team and users met with their counterparts in Vihiga County on an exchange visit to exchange experiences and best practices on application of the Geospacial Information System (GIS) in Nandi.

Speaking during the visit, Ag. CECM lands stated that the objective of the two day visit is to exchange unique knowledge and best practices between the County GIS experts and the host county Vihiga. “The visit aims to expose the participants to the best practices on GIS and gain valuable knowledge they can apply.” Dr. Lagat further revealed.

While officially welcoming the Nandi team, Vihiga Governor. H.E Wilber Ottichilo enumerated ways in which the County Government of Vihiga has optimized the GIS system in all departments to gather more information which greatly inform decision making. Notably, Governor Ottichilo narrated how the system has helped the county double revenue collection in the county.

“When we came to office two years ago, we were collecting a paltry Kshs 93m, but with the help of GIS, we managed to increase our collection to Kshs 194m in last financial year and we’re targeting Kshs 250 collection this financial year.” said the County boss who is also a GIS expert.

Ottichilo lauded Nandi County for investing in the system noting that it was worth every coin. “Some people won’t appreciate the GIS platform, but I would tell them that it is more expensive to make wrong decisions than to quip a GIS laboratory.” he added.

Sentiments which were reiterated by the CECM Lands who said that there is nothing more costly than making a decision from an uninformed position. “Therefore, this visit will greatly contribute to sharing knowhow, innovation and technologies which will go a long way in policy formulation.” said Dr. Lagat.

The two day visit organized in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO is an opportunity to share insights and will culminate to field visits on Tuesday.

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