Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration popular with Kenyan land professionals

The need for Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration Approach gains traction during  the 2nd Regional Conference of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK)

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) held its second Regional Conference in Nairobi, Kenya at Intercontinental Hotel from 8th to 10th November, 2017 on ‘Land and Property Sector in Africa: Marching into the Future” with the theme on  Fit-For-Purpose (FFP) Land Administration approach  dominating the conference. The conference, which attracted participants from Eastern and Southern Africa, was graced by the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning in Kenya Professor Jacob Kaimenyi, and Ambassador of the Netherlands H.E Frans Makken and GLTN. The main message from the conference was that a fundamental change in the land governance processes was urgently needed.  In order to alleviate poverty and foster development, land registration must be timely, efficient, and affordable on large scale.

GLTN's Oumar Sylla makes his presentation.

GLTN leader Mr. Oumar Sylla gave a well-received key note speech on “The Global Land Agenda and the Role of Professionals”. The speech underscored global land challenges brought about by climate change and natural disasters, effects of increasing populations on environmental degradation, food and fuel shortages, inadequate cadastral coverage over land (which stands at approximately 30% in developing countries) and the low level of women’s access to land. A presentation by Agatha Wanyonyi of GLTN in the first Panel Session under the theme “Land Administration for National Development” introduced GLTN’s land tools and approaches. She highlighted how they can be adopted to ensure that land administration and management is pro-poor, gender and youth responsive, effective in serving citizens, and generates revenue for local and national governments. The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning in Kenya Professor Jacob Kaimenyi, lauded a pilot of the FFP Land Administration approach in Makueni County where the Ministry collaborated with the Makueni County Government, Kadaster, ISK and surveying equipment companies. Based on the successful implementation of the pilot project, he confirmed that the approach will be rolled out in upcoming land adjudication programmes in the country.

In her remarks, Dr. Winnie Mwangi from the University of Nairobi and a member of ISK noted the potential benefits from adopting a Fit-For-Purpose approach in the registration of community land, and in using Land Administration software like the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) within the provisions of the Community Land Act.

Other thematic topics touched on real estate finance, the Sectional Properties Act and addressing the housing challenge and opportunities in the ongoing devolution process in Kenya. The role of professionals in adhering to standards set by global frameworks, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda, and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Governance of Tenure of Land, Forests and Fisheries while integrating the Human Rights elements was emphasized. It is now essential to adopt innovative land governance approaches through learning, sharing best practices and experiences, and establish cross-border partnerships. Closing the conference on a high note, the chairman of the ISK Mr. Stephen Ambani issued a pledged to promote the Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration approach and innovative land governance approaches towards securing land and property rights for all Kenyans.

Submitted by/Photos: Agatha Wanyonyi/John Gitau