WEB-BASED LAND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: A CASE STUDY OF NAIROBI CITY COUNCIL

Abstract

Reliable land information is crucial for planning and development of any country. There are various challenges that hinder proper management of land information. In Kenya rapid pace of development, coupled with high population growth rates brings with it heavy burdens on land management. Hence it is imperative that Kenya needs an effective Land Information System. Currently land information in Kenya is managed by various organizations which include the Ministry of Lands, survey of Kenya (SOK), city and county councils. This results to lack of standardized method of capturing, recording, and maintaining land-related data, resulting to duplication of information. This structure also hinders easy access to consistent, accurate, up-to-date land information in a costeffective manner. The current labor-intensive manual processes used to collect, store and maintain this information contain a greater risk for human error. The main objective of the study was to develop a web-based land information management system with an aim of providing a proper land information collection, storage and dissemination platform for the Nairobi City Council. The proposed system is composed of three subcomponents: a single database, web-based mapping component and a website. The database provided is centralized, mapping component provides tools for data updating and visualization while the website hosts the mapping component and also provides additional information related to land management. To develop the system stable Geographical Information Systems (GIS) softwares and other Open Source softwares were used that included Quantum GIS and Mapserver. The system contained information on parcel ownership, land use, taxation, location boundary, land value, encumbrance and many more. The system offers a streamlined flow of land information within the Nairobi city council ensuring there is well structured process of collecting, storing and disseminating land information. Adoption of the system will ensures we leverage advancement in GIS technology in management of variable resources.