National Land Commission digitising records to improve services
What you need to know:
- By the end of October 2016, the National Land Commission will have uploaded sufficient information on their website for all users inquiring land matters.
- National Land Information Management Systems will capture all the functions necessary in the administration and management of public land.
- Kenyans who want to apply for an extension of their leases will now have to scan all the documents needed, create an account in the system and access all the steps needed in the application of the extension.
Land buyers, agents, sellers and others interested in accessing land services will no longer have to queue for long hours at the land offices or engage in tedious processes to have their issues addressed.
The National Land Commission (NLC) has set up a National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) to enhance efficiency in serving the public.
NLC commissioner Clement Lenachuru said by the end of October 2016, the commission will have concluded uploading sufficient information on the agency's website for all users inquiring about land matters.
He said the pilot programme, launched in May 2016, is on course.
“Among the functions of NLC is to ensure the development and operationalisation of an effective digital land information management systems at all levels,” Dr Lenachuru said during an interview at the agency's stand at the Mombasa show, which ended on Sunday.
NLC principal officer Samuel Nthuni said besides providing the public with information on accessing land, the NLIMS will capture all the functions necessary in managing public land.
DIGITISING LAND RECORDS
He said the agency is digitising all land records and putting them in a system where the general public can access them at the click of a button without visiting land offices.
He added that the custodians of the land data who are linked to the system are government ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, banks, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the ministry of Lands.
He also noted that the agency is automating all processes and procedures related to the services they offer to the public.
He said citizens who want to apply for an extension of their leases will now have to scan all the documents needed, create an account in the system and access all the steps needed in applying for an extension.
He noted that currently, people seeking lease extensions must go to land offices and submit all their documents in person.
He further added that users will also be able to monitor the progress of their applications, such as whether documents have been filed or approved and whether any other documents are needed, in which case users are notified by email or text messages with the requests.
“All the stages needed are in the system right to the stage where one can print their approval once accepted and all processes are completed,” he added.
Mr Nthuni said the agency is in the process of finalising all the processes needed in the system and once that is complete, it will make the system available to all citizens.
