By Agwanda Saye.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili and FAO Kenya Country Representative, Madam Farayi Constance Zimudzi launching the GIS Lab at City Hall, Kisumu/ Photos by Adams Claine
The County Government of Kisumu has launched a KES 35 million Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory in Kisumu through the European Union–FAO Digital Land Governance Programme.
The launch which was presided over by Kisumu County Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili together with the FAO Kenya Country Representative, Madam Farayi Constance Zimudzi underscored the shared commitment to strengthening data-driven governance and sustainable urban development.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor CECM of Finance, George Okong’o said “This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a vital hub for knowledge, innovation and collaboration and will support evidence-based decision-making across sectors within the County”
It will also empower farmers with better land information to guiding urban planning and strengthening public health initiatives as well as enhancing transparency and accountability in land administration and revenue generation.
“As Kisumu advances its vision of becoming a Smart City, investments in digital infrastructure such as the GIS Laboratory will play a critical role in ensuring that technology and reliable data inform planning, service delivery, and inclusive development”he added .
He further said that with the kind of partnership, Kisumu County is embracing a new era of transparent, accountable, and data-driven governance.
Present during the function were; CECMs Dr. Charles Konyango (Lands & Physical Planning), George Okong’o (Finance), City Manager Abala Wanga together with representatives from FAO, and other county officials.
