Habitat for Humanity Kenya has officially handed over a state-of-the-art Land Information Management System (LIMS) to Homa Bay County to assist in efficient management of its land records.
Habitat for Humanity sought the services of Oakar services limited who provided technical support in designing the digital platform that will enhance service delivery, reduce land disputes and support effective governance in the county.
It is accessible via web, mobile, and desktop applications, making land management processes more streamlined and user-friendly.
Millicent Adhiambo, Advocacy Lead at Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK), emphasized that this initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing land administration through accurate record-keeping and fostering transparency in the county’s land management systems.
“The software aims to enhance effective management of land, streamline revenue collection, minimizing revenue leakages as well as ensuring efficient management of land records,” she noted.
Adhiambo informed that this initiative aligns with Habitat’s overarching mission of providing safe and decent housing as well as vital services for vulnerable communities.
She further highlighted the potential for increased revenue generation through the improved management of land records.
Through the system, Habitat for Humanity has so far digitized nine wards with 1,250 planned parcels, an investment exceeding Sh. 8 million, with plans to extend this to all remaining parcels in the near future.
According to Nixon Otieno, Programs Director at HFHK, LIMS is a critical tool to help Homa Bay County efficiently manage its land resources while offering timely services to landowners and investors.
“Additionally, this system fortifies our efforts to provide safe and secure shelter to vulnerable families who often face challenges due to inadequate land documentation,” he added.
Governor Gladys Wanga on the other hand lauded the transformative potential of LIMS for the County and remarked that the system represents a pivotal step in ensuring accurate and timely access to land information while promoting transparency.
“Efficient land management is key for socio-economic growth in the county, particularly in enhancing our capability for revenue collection,” she noted.
The governor also reaffirmed her commitment to expanding the system across the entire county and maintaining access to up-to-date data to support sustainable development and informed decision-making.
She expressed gratitude to Habitat for Humanity for their unwavering support and the introduction of such a groundbreaking solution.
“With LIMS, we can minimize land disputes, secure ownership records, and ensure equitable management of land resources,” she said.
Governor Wanga further noted the challenges posed by undigitized land systems stating: “Managing un-digitized land is cumbersome for both our county government and residents who need clear information about the status of their land,” she added.
Beyond software development, HFHK has been actively addressing housing needs in Homa Bay.
Over 100 houses have been constructed in Rangwe, with an additional 34 units currently underway in Ndhiwa.
The organization has also implemented settlement-based practices to address water and sanitation needs, having drilled six boreholes to ensure adequate water supply for residents.
Moreover, to promote secure land tenure, the organization has reached over 100,810 individuals by providing legal aid and sensitization programs in collaboration with organizations like the Law Society of Kenya, the Ministry of Lands, and the National Lands Commission.
In its broader efforts to enhance housing conditions within communities, HFHK has partnered with groups focused on leveraging innovative construction technologies and as part of this initiative, two such groups have received operational support till date.
By Sitna Omar
