Isiolo, Kenya| A high-profile delegation of European Union ambassadors visited Isiolo County today to assess and celebrate the progress made under the transformative Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP), a €20 million EU-funded initiative implemented in partnership with the Government of Kenya and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Representing Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan (Guyo), who was accompanying Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki on official county duties, Chief Officer for Lands and Physical Planning, Mr. Francis Lekalasimi, led the County Government’s engagement with the EU delegation.
The discussions highlighted major strides made in land governance and spatial planning through digitization and policy reforms.
Transformative Impact of the Digital Land Governance Programme
Mr. Lekalasimi emphasized that the DLGP has significantly empowered the county’s capacity for sustainable land management and conflict resolution.
“The program has been instrumental in establishing the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy for Isiolo County.” Lekalasimi stated.
“It has bolstered the ADR Committee operating under the National Land Commission’s local office, creating an effective platform for resolving long-standing land conflicts,” he added.
The initiative has also led to the development of a comprehensive physical land use development plan for Ol Donyiro township, implemented in collaboration with conservation and research partners including the Wyss Academy for Nature, Save the Elephants, and Gravy Zebra.
Among the most notable achievements is the installation of a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory, which is now actively used by the county’s land department for spatial planning and data management.
These tools, combined with the County Spatial Plan fully funded by Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration, are designed to enhance transparency, improve land tenure security, and inform strategic development decisions.
Endorsement from EU Delegation
H.E. Ms. Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, expressed satisfaction with the integration of advanced digital technologies in land administration.
“We are pleased to see GIS technology being utilized to guide development planning and secure community land rights. This program is a game-changer for Isiolo and a model for other counties,” she stated.
Other members of the distinguished EU delegation echoed similar sentiments, commending Isiolo’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in land governance. The visiting diplomats included:
- Mr. Helge Flärd, Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Kenya
- H.E. Dr. Christian Fellner, Ambassador of Austria
- H.E. Ms. Nicol Adamcová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic
- H.E. Mr. Stephan Schønemann, Ambassador of Denmark
- H.E. Mr. Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland
- H.E. Mr. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of Germany
- H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France
- H.E. Ms. Caitriona Ingoldsby, Ambassador of Ireland
Boosting Transparency Through Digitized Land Registries
The ambassadors also toured the national government’s land registry in Isiolo, which is being digitized under the DLGP.
Land records are being systematically integrated into the Ardhi Sasa digital platform, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risks of manipulation and disputes.
Garbatula residents are among the first to benefit from the digitization initiative. Their land titling program has recently concluded, and their official records are expected to be uploaded in the coming months once title deeds are finalized.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Land Rights
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need to extend further support to ongoing initiatives.
In particular, the county and its development partners agreed to explore additional FAO-backed efforts to scale up ADR policy implementation and geo-referencing activities in Chari and Cherab.
These areas are currently undergoing community land registration, bolstered by the establishment of 34 geo-referenced points to define boundaries and ensure legal clarity.
EU-Kenya Partnership: A Model for Digital Land Reform
The European Union, through its #TeamEurope approach, continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Kenya’s land governance landscape.
The €20 million DLGP is now a benchmark initiative, facilitating everything from digitized land registries to the rollout of GIS labs in multiple counties, all with the overarching goal of ensuring transparent, efficient, and secure land management systems.
As digital tools become central to land governance in Kenya, Isiolo County stands out as a leading example of how strategic partnerships, community engagement, and technological innovation can drive equitable development and long-term peace.
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