Day: June 13, 2024

The East African Community, the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Penina Malonza has led the dissemination forum for the Kenya Vision 2030 Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023-2027 in Taita Taveta County.

The public engagement, attended by national and county government officials, youth leaders, civil society, religious leaders, and residents of Taita Taveta County, outlined the MTP IV programmes to be implemented in line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking in Voi, Malonza noted that it is the first time the government is involving residents in the dissemination of the Medium Term Plan, adding that a lot has been done in the three previous MTPs in various sectors such as roads, hospitals, and education.

The CS noted that MTP IV takes into consideration the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) to ensure synchronisation that will ensure the smooth running of different ministries for the benefit of the citizens.

‘We
are synchronising all these plans so that we can have a very firm and very rich Fourth-Term Medium plan,’ said the CS.

She noted that the MTP IV plan has taken into consideration the well-being of every ministry in terms of the projections the country has for the next four years.

At the same time, the CS noted that an economic turnaround will be achieved through targeted investments across the five BETA pillars of Housing and Settlement, Agriculture, Healthcare, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy.

In her capacity, the CS stated that the country is widening and deepening her relations with the East African Community through integration between the eight member states.

She noted that plans are underway to open up the central corridor to enable the free movement of trucks from Kenya to Tanzania.

‘Taita Taveta borders the United Republic of Tanzania, and of course we have the central corridor that we are really working on, actually between Uriri and Boba to
wn in Tanzania. There is a black spot there that we have not interfaced in terms of the digital tracking system, and that is what we are working on. Soon, we are going to open up this corridor so that we can have trucks from here to Tanzania,’ said Malonza.

Malonza added that the country is also working to open up an even wider market that will enable the trucks to move from Kenya through to the DRC and Central Africa.

‘We are working on our relationship with Tanzania. You know the port of Mombasa is serving the central part of Central Africa, and so we are working on the tracking system so that we can open up that corridor so that we can see trucks all the way to the DRC and Central Africa,’ she said.

She further noted that Kenya has maintained a good relationship with the East African Community countries that has facilitated cross-border activities, which will be further enhanced by the opening up of the central corridor.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Land Commission (NLC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, has made significant strides in digitising land records and creating robust land information systems.

NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi said that one of their flagship initiatives, an integrated Land Management Information System (LMIS), is a one-stop portal for all land-related services, including critical data on land ownership, usage, registration, valuation, and dispute resolution, that not only makes it easier for citizens to access land services but also improves coordination among different government agencies involved in land management.

Otachi, speaking at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) Kabete on Wednesday during the official opening of the 3rd Regional Research Conference themed ‘Data, Innovation, and Technology for Land Governance,’ said that the digitization of land records and services is and will be a key priority for the National Land Commission.

‘Innovation is the driving force behind chan
ge and improvement in land governance. The world is adopting innovative approaches that streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery,’ highlighted the chairman.

Otachi said that blockchain technology is one of the innovations being used to enhance land registration and title management, explaining that it offers a secure and transparent way to record land transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and disputes.

‘By piloting blockchain projects in land registration, we can build trust in our land administration systems and protect the rights of landowners,’ he said.

The chairman explained that remote sensing and drone technology are being leveraged for land surveying, monitoring, and data collection. These technologies provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data, essential for accurate land assessment and management.

‘Data collection is only the first step. We must also ensure that this data is accessible and usable by all stakeholders, from government agencies and private sector p
artners to local communities and individual citizens. This requires investment in data infrastructure, capacity building, and policies that promote open data and information sharing,’ said Otachi.

NLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kabale Tache said that Article 67(2)(d) of the Constitution of Kenya and the National Land Commission (NLC) Act 2012, Section 5(1)(d), mandates the NLC to undertake research related to land and the use of natural resources, and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities.

‘It is on this basis that we are holding this conference, this being the third edition in a series of research conferences the Commission has organised since 2021,’ she explained.

Ms. Tache said that in today’s rapidly evolving world, the management and governance of land have become increasingly complex, requiring them to embrace new technologies to ensure sustainable and equitable land use.

‘The use of data, innovation, and technology has the potential to revolutionise how we manage and govern land, m
aking processes more efficient, transparent, and inclusive,’ said Ms. Tache.

She continued: ‘As we embrace these advancements, we must also be mindful of the challenges that come with them. Data privacy, security, and accessibility are crucial considerations that must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of data innovation and technology are equitably distributed among all stakeholders.’

She called for collaboration from all stakeholders, asking them to keep in mind the importance of their work and the impact it can have on the lives of people around the world.

‘Together, we have the opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for land governance, and I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to meaningful and lasting change,’ said Ms. Tache.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Land Commission (NLC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, has made significant strides in digitising land records and creating robust land information systems.

NLC Chairman Gershom Otachi said that one of their flagship initiatives, an integrated Land Management Information System (LMIS), is a one-stop portal for all land-related services, including critical data on land ownership, usage, registration, valuation, and dispute resolution, that not only makes it easier for citizens to access land services but also improves coordination among different government agencies involved in land management.

Otachi, speaking at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) Kabete on Wednesday during the official opening of the 3rd Regional Research Conference themed ‘Data, Innovation, and Technology for Land Governance,’ said that the digitization of land records and services is and will be a key priority for the National Land Commission.

‘Innovation is the driving force behind chan
ge and improvement in land governance. The world is adopting innovative approaches that streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery,’ highlighted the chairman.

Otachi said that blockchain technology is one of the innovations being used to enhance land registration and title management, explaining that it offers a secure and transparent way to record land transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and disputes.

‘By piloting blockchain projects in land registration, we can build trust in our land administration systems and protect the rights of landowners,’ he said.

The chairman explained that remote sensing and drone technology are being leveraged for land surveying, monitoring, and data collection. These technologies provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data, essential for accurate land assessment and management.

‘Data collection is only the first step. We must also ensure that this data is accessible and usable by all stakeholders, from government agencies and private sector p
artners to local communities and individual citizens. This requires investment in data infrastructure, capacity building, and policies that promote open data and information sharing,’ said Otachi.

NLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kabale Tache said that Article 67(2)(d) of the Constitution of Kenya and the National Land Commission (NLC) Act 2012, Section 5(1)(d), mandates the NLC to undertake research related to land and the use of natural resources, and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities.

‘It is on this basis that we are holding this conference, this being the third edition in a series of research conferences the Commission has organised since 2021,’ she explained.

Ms. Tache said that in today’s rapidly evolving world, the management and governance of land have become increasingly complex, requiring them to embrace new technologies to ensure sustainable and equitable land use.

‘The use of data, innovation, and technology has the potential to revolutionise how we manage and govern land, m
aking processes more efficient, transparent, and inclusive,’ said Ms. Tache.

She continued: ‘As we embrace these advancements, we must also be mindful of the challenges that come with them. Data privacy, security, and accessibility are crucial considerations that must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of data innovation and technology are equitably distributed among all stakeholders.’

She called for collaboration from all stakeholders, asking them to keep in mind the importance of their work and the impact it can have on the lives of people around the world.

‘Together, we have the opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for land governance, and I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to meaningful and lasting change,’ said Ms. Tache.

Source: Kenya News Agency

An over Sh8 million state-of-the-art resource centre has been launched at Nanyuki GK Prison with the aim of equipping prisoners with technical skills.

The facility, named after Fr. Peter Meienberg, a priest, was constructed by the Faraja Foundation associated with him and is equipped with a barber shop, computer lab, counselling centre, knitting and tailoring section, among others, to ensure inmates serving their jail term gain useful skills that will help them generate income once they complete their sentences.

Principal Secretary State Department for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco, speaking at Nanyuki GK Prison in Laikipia County during the official launch on Wednesday, said the resource centre was a great boost to the government’s rehabilitation efforts to the offenders.

‘I wish to thank the Faraja Foundation for this great initiative that perfectly complements our programmes at the correctional services. I have no doubt whatsoever that this rehabilitative initiative will certainly help many p
eople get back on their feet and eventually become resourceful members of society,’ said Dr. Beacco.

The facility, which was completed in a span of eight months, Dr. Beacco noted, was an indelible mark in the correctional services and at the same time called for more partnership from stakeholders in supporting offenders’ reform and reintegration back into the community.

‘I call upon each one of us to challenge ourselves in the commitment of quality service delivery and support the government’s agenda and position in ensuring that the vulnerable members of our society have access to social justice,’ she urged.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Brig. (Rtd.) John K. Warioba, said that the facility was in line with government initiatives to rehabilitate convicts.

‘Any inmate can participate in making items that can be sold to benefit financially, and the centre will be run by inmates themselves with support from the officer in charge. This bold initiative represents a significant stride in our core mandate
of rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners back into society,’ said Brig. (Rtd.) Warioba.

Faraja Foundation Chairperson Dr. David Bett called for more partnership from the county governments to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners, which he pointed out was a major challenge.

Source: Kenya News Agency

An over Sh8 million state-of-the-art resource centre has been launched at Nanyuki GK Prison with the aim of equipping prisoners with technical skills.

The facility, named after Fr. Peter Meienberg, a priest, was constructed by the Faraja Foundation associated with him and is equipped with a barber shop, computer lab, counselling centre, knitting and tailoring section, among others, to ensure inmates serving their jail term gain useful skills that will help them generate income once they complete their sentences.

Principal Secretary State Department for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco, speaking at Nanyuki GK Prison in Laikipia County during the official launch on Wednesday, said the resource centre was a great boost to the government’s rehabilitation efforts to the offenders.

‘I wish to thank the Faraja Foundation for this great initiative that perfectly complements our programmes at the correctional services. I have no doubt whatsoever that this rehabilitative initiative will certainly help many p
eople get back on their feet and eventually become resourceful members of society,’ said Dr. Beacco.

The facility, which was completed in a span of eight months, Dr. Beacco noted, was an indelible mark in the correctional services and at the same time called for more partnership from stakeholders in supporting offenders’ reform and reintegration back into the community.

‘I call upon each one of us to challenge ourselves in the commitment of quality service delivery and support the government’s agenda and position in ensuring that the vulnerable members of our society have access to social justice,’ she urged.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Brig. (Rtd.) John K. Warioba, said that the facility was in line with government initiatives to rehabilitate convicts.

‘Any inmate can participate in making items that can be sold to benefit financially, and the centre will be run by inmates themselves with support from the officer in charge. This bold initiative represents a significant stride in our core mandate
of rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners back into society,’ said Brig. (Rtd.) Warioba.

Faraja Foundation Chairperson Dr. David Bett called for more partnership from the county governments to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners, which he pointed out was a major challenge.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Police in Trans Mara South Sub County, Narok County have recovered an illegal firearm, AK 47 rifle that was loaded with a magazine with 18 rounds in the Geturo area.

Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare said the police were acting on a tip-off from the residents when they raided the home of Isaiya Langat Kipkemoi and recovered the gun.

At the time of recovery, Kipkemoi was at his home with his friend Dennis Kipkoech and the two were arrested and escorted to Lolgorian Police station awaiting to be arraigned in court.

The commander thanked the residents for volunteering such important information and asked them to continue giving information of suspected criminals amongst them so that they can be arrested.

Early this year, the government deployed a contingent of security teams to the volatile border of Trans Mara South and Kuria so as to deal with inter-community clashes after several people were injured and property destroyed in clashes.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Police in Trans Mara South Sub County, Narok County have recovered an illegal firearm, AK 47 rifle that was loaded with a magazine with 18 rounds in the Geturo area.

Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare said the police were acting on a tip-off from the residents when they raided the home of Isaiya Langat Kipkemoi and recovered the gun.

At the time of recovery, Kipkemoi was at his home with his friend Dennis Kipkoech and the two were arrested and escorted to Lolgorian Police station awaiting to be arraigned in court.

The commander thanked the residents for volunteering such important information and asked them to continue giving information of suspected criminals amongst them so that they can be arrested.

Early this year, the government deployed a contingent of security teams to the volatile border of Trans Mara South and Kuria so as to deal with inter-community clashes after several people were injured and property destroyed in clashes.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has said that the country is reaping massive benefits of digitalization in the land sector.

CS Wahome said that the digitalization of land records and automation of land administration and management processes that have been going on in Nairobi and Murang’a have already greatly benefited the country.

‘Digitalization has helped us in embracing improved ease of doing business, increased accessibility of land services, and enhanced transparency in day-to-day land transactions,’ Wahome said in a speech read on her behalf by Acting Secretary of Lands, Sarah Maina, during the opening of the third regional research conference on land and natural resources.

Speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, she noted that, like other nations and agencies, Kenya is also fast moving away from old methods of doing business by embracing data innovation and technology, which are vital elements in efficient governance and management o
f different sectors, including the land governance sector.

The CS noted that the introduction of the National Land Information System (NLIMS) to address land management records that were held in paper form and managed manually for a long time has proven very successful and timely.

Wahome added that inefficient and time-consuming old management could not support timely decision making in the land governance sector.

She said that NLIMS, dubbed the ‘Ardhisasa’ system, has made land transactions more convenient and reduced time-consuming physical visits, especially to land offices.

The official said that land transactions that were handled through paper forms and files have today turned into e-systems, while physical visits to land offices have been reduced as services are delivered at the touch of a button from somewhere else.

She said that Kenya is committed to making land information available in a language that can be understood by populations.

Wahome noted that land claimed by minority groups, pastoral
communities, disputed land, and land identified to have been irregularly allocated is being accurately classified and mapped in the land information system to reduce conflicts.

She said that Kenya plans to establish a comprehensive, computer-based, user-friendly, accessible, affordable, transparent, and gender-sensitive land information management system.

Wahome revealed that Kenya is currently developing national guidelines on land information to govern matters on land information standards, security, dissemination, and pricing.

The Ministry of Lands, she said, has gone cashless by embracing FinTech in the collection of revenue, which has replaced conventional cash payments with Mpesa mobile money payment services.

Mr. Gershom Otachi, Chairman of the National Land Commission (NLC), noted that Kenya, like other nations, endeavours to harness the transformative power of data, innovation, and technology in solving multifaceted challenges in land governance.

Mr. Otachi said that data and technology tools ar
e not only essential for modernising land governance systems but also for ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity by addressing matters to do with land tenure security, land use planning, environmental sustainability, and equitable resource distribution.

He added that Kenya is adopting the use of block chain technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and drone technology to enhance land registration, title management, create detailed and interactive maps, and provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has said that the country is reaping massive benefits of digitalization in the land sector.

CS Wahome said that the digitalization of land records and automation of land administration and management processes that have been going on in Nairobi and Murang’a have already greatly benefited the country.

‘Digitalization has helped us in embracing improved ease of doing business, increased accessibility of land services, and enhanced transparency in day-to-day land transactions,’ Wahome said in a speech read on her behalf by Acting Secretary of Lands, Sarah Maina, during the opening of the third regional research conference on land and natural resources.

Speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, she noted that, like other nations and agencies, Kenya is also fast moving away from old methods of doing business by embracing data innovation and technology, which are vital elements in efficient governance and management o
f different sectors, including the land governance sector.

The CS noted that the introduction of the National Land Information System (NLIMS) to address land management records that were held in paper form and managed manually for a long time has proven very successful and timely.

Wahome added that inefficient and time-consuming old management could not support timely decision making in the land governance sector.

She said that NLIMS, dubbed the ‘Ardhisasa’ system, has made land transactions more convenient and reduced time-consuming physical visits, especially to land offices.

The official said that land transactions that were handled through paper forms and files have today turned into e-systems, while physical visits to land offices have been reduced as services are delivered at the touch of a button from somewhere else.

She said that Kenya is committed to making land information available in a language that can be understood by populations.

Wahome noted that land claimed by minority groups, pastoral
communities, disputed land, and land identified to have been irregularly allocated is being accurately classified and mapped in the land information system to reduce conflicts.

She said that Kenya plans to establish a comprehensive, computer-based, user-friendly, accessible, affordable, transparent, and gender-sensitive land information management system.

Wahome revealed that Kenya is currently developing national guidelines on land information to govern matters on land information standards, security, dissemination, and pricing.

The Ministry of Lands, she said, has gone cashless by embracing FinTech in the collection of revenue, which has replaced conventional cash payments with Mpesa mobile money payment services.

Mr. Gershom Otachi, Chairman of the National Land Commission (NLC), noted that Kenya, like other nations, endeavours to harness the transformative power of data, innovation, and technology in solving multifaceted challenges in land governance.

Mr. Otachi said that data and technology tools ar
e not only essential for modernising land governance systems but also for ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity by addressing matters to do with land tenure security, land use planning, environmental sustainability, and equitable resource distribution.

He added that Kenya is adopting the use of block chain technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and drone technology to enhance land registration, title management, create detailed and interactive maps, and provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data.

Source: Kenya News Agency

MEDENINE: The Ras Jedir border post was partially opened, Thursday, following an agreement reached between the Tunisian and Libyan interior ministers, providing for the gradual opening of the crossing point to humanitarian, emergency and diplomatic cases.

The agreement reached between the two countries, Wednesday, stipulates a complete opening of the post to travelers and commercial traffic, as of June 20.

A resumption which will be carried out in the light of more careful transit measures with regard to fluidity and passage conditions, so as to spare travelers from both countries the slowness of passage procedures, a security source told TAP.

The border crossing has not yet recorded any transit movements on the Libyan side, of any nature whatsoever, due to a failure of the crossing point’s computer system coming from Libya, the same source told TAP.

At the same time, a number of Libyan ambulances left Tunisian territory escorted by Tunisian security and customs units, the officer added.

The reopening of
the Ras Jedir border crossing comes following a period of closure which lasted 3 months restricting, since then, traffic between Tunisia and Libya, by land, at the Dhiba-Wazen crossing.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse