Nakuru Deputy Governor Advocates for GIS Technology Adoption

Nakuru: During the GIS Day celebrations, Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones urged County Departments to adopt Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for more effective decision-making in project implementation. Kones led the event, which showcased the diverse applications of GIS technologies by County Planners, Surveyors, and Geo-Spatial Planners.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru County, which has already launched its Spatial Development plan, stands to benefit significantly from the rapid adoption of GIS technologies. The county’s plan, compliant with constitutional requirements, relies heavily on GIS for resource management.

GIS Day, an annual event, recognizes the importance of GIS technology in storing, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data. Kones highlighted the role of GIS in guiding policymakers on land use, including the establishment of schools and health centres, and in preventing public land encroachment.

The event also featured exhibits from various organizations proficient in GIS technologies, including UN-FAO, the Kenya Institute of Planners, and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority. Nakuru County Assembly Chair Peter Palang’a of the Lands and Planning Committee emphasized the importance of harmonizing land data for planning and supported the digitization of county information.

Palang’a also called for the establishment of a GIS Centre in the county and stressed the need to integrate the county spatial plan into annual and integrated development plans for efficient implementation.