NAIROBI, Kenya- The Ministry of Lands is urging Parliament to approve additional funding to accelerate the digitization of land records, a critical move aimed at streamlining property management in Kenya.
During a recent meeting in Mombasa, Lands Secretary Sarah Maina expressed concerns over budget cuts that threaten to derail the ambitious project.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the Ministry’s budget for digitization was slashed to KSh130 million from the proposed Sh447.7 million.
Maina, representing Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, explained to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands that the reduced funding jeopardizes ongoing work, particularly in key regions like Mombasa Island, Mombasa Mainland, Baringo, and West Pokot.
“The Mombasa Land Registry includes Mombasa Island and Mainland. While we’ve made progress since May 2024, limited funds mean we can only fully digitize Mombasa Island and partially scan records for the Mainland,” Maina stated.
The ministry has already made strides, sorting and scanning over 51,000 records, including land registration documents and administrative records. However, the funding shortfall could stall this momentum.
The digitization project promises to revolutionize land management in Kenya, reducing fraud, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency.
By modernizing records, the Ministry aims to create a more accessible and reliable system for landowners and investors alike.
Maina highlighted that digitizing the targeted regions is essential to extend these benefits nationwide. However, achieving this vision requires adequate resources, making parliamentary support crucial.
The Mombasa meeting saw key stakeholders rallying around the initiative. MPs in attendance included Garsen’s Ali Wario, Nairobi’s Esther Passaris, and Changamwe’s Omar Mwinyi, among others.
Senior ministry officials, including Chief Land Registrar David Nyandoro and Director for ICT Leonard Maritim, underscored the technical demands of the project and the need for robust funding.
Without sufficient budgetary support, the transformative potential of land digitization could be delayed, leaving critical gaps in Kenya’s property records system.
By advocating for a more substantial budget, the Ministry is not just digitizing land records—it’s laying the groundwork for a future where property management is efficient, transparent, and accessible to all.
