Digitisation of land records to attack rot at head office

Corruption declined

Ms Angote said the implementation of the information system has begun. The PS said experience from countries that have automated land records indicates that corruption declined as a result since clerks could no longer credibly argue that files had disappeared, a trick they use to extort bribes from citizens.

The computerisation project is being implemented in a partnership between the Lands ministry, the Information, Communication and Technology board and the Swedish development agency Sida. If the government sticks to established timelines, the project will represent a sea change in the management of land in the country.

In addition to the digitisation of records, the land policy offers a wide range of measures aimed at streamlining the way land is managed in the country. Under the proposed law, power to allocate land will be taken away from the Commissioner of Lands and given to an independent National Land Commission, which will include professionals like surveyors and architects.

The policy also proposes a ban on the allocation of forests, water catchment areas, road reserves, kayas (sacred forest groves), wildlife corridors and mountain tops. It also proposes new means of adjudicating land disputes including the setting up of land courts. Other highlights of the proposed law are:

• Create national land commission, district land boards and community land boards and computerisation of land registries to reduce corruption in the process of accessing land records.
• Facilitate public access to beaches, lakes, rivers and fish landing sites unless restricted due to environmental fragility or security reasons.
• Investigate historical injustices and recommend mechanisms for their resolution.
• Develop and review a national housing policy.
• Introduce alternative dispute management regimes to involve communities at the local level.