Key developments in GIS and geospatial technology in Kenya

As of September 2024, Kenya has seen notable advancements in the GIS and geospatial sector, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and land management. GIS technology for instance UAVs is being utilized to enhance agricultural management, with organizations like the World Resources Institute (WRI) using it to map land cover, livestock densities, irrigation, and crop productivity. This aids in promoting sustainable land use and improving agricultural output.

In the forestry sector, the government has integrated GIS to track progress in the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and achieving 30% forest cover by 2032. GIS helps monitor forest cover changes and aids in planning reforestation efforts.

The Kenya Open Data Initiative (KODI) has expanded its geospatial data catalog, covering sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and land management. Platforms like KODI are improving access to important datasets, helping stakeholders make better decisions in urban planning, conservation, and disaster risk management.

Projects like the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) are digitizing land records, providing real-time spatial data access for public services. These systems enable secure digital title deeds and land management via platforms like the eCitizen portal.