By James Okoth
Kisumu County has unveiled a KES 35 million Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory at City Hall, marking a major milestone in the county’s push toward digital governance and smart urban planning. The facility, established through the European Union, FAO Digital Land Governance Programme, will enhance evidence-based decision-making across sectors including land management, agriculture, urban planning and health.
The lab was commissioned by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili alongside Farayi Constance Zimudzi, Kenya Country Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighting strong collaboration between the county and development partners in strengthening digital systems for sustainable development.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Owili said the GIS Laboratory represents a strategic investment that will enable the county to plan its growth using reliable and real-time data.
“This GIS Laboratory represents a critical investment in knowledge, innovation and accountability. As Kisumu continues to grow economically and expand urbanly, our planning must be guided by accurate data to ensure development remains sustainable and inclusive.”
The Deputy Governor linked the investment to the county’s broader digital transformation agenda, particularly the strengthening of health systems through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) and the digital health platforms that now track service delivery and revenue performance across facilities.
According to county digital health records, 771,984 residents in Kisumu have already been registered in the county’s digital health system, including 489,371 adults and 282,613 children. Data from the county platform further shows that 238,642 residents have undergone means testing, helping determine eligibility and contribution levels under the national health financing framework.
Of the registered adults, 93,331 are in formal employment while 309,483 are in the informal sector, highlighting the importance of data-driven systems in organizing health financing and ensuring equitable access to services.
Dr. Owili noted that such digital platforms have strengthened accountability and revenue tracking within the county’s health sector through the FIF model, allowing facilities to retain and reinvest funds generated from services.
“The GIS Laboratory will now transform how we plan our development. It will help us map health facilities, understand population needs, identify service gaps and ensure resources are allocated where they are needed most.”
By integrating spatial data with health and population statistics, county officials say the GIS Laboratory will help planners visualize demographic patterns, monitor service coverage and support better distribution of health infrastructure and other public investments.
Ms. Zimudzi emphasized that digital land governance systems are critical for sustainable development and better public service delivery.
“Digital land governance is fundamental to sustainable development. By strengthening geospatial data systems, counties like Kisumu can plan better, manage land resources responsibly and create new economic opportunities for their citizens.”
She added that the collaboration between the European Union, FAO and Kisumu County demonstrates how international partnerships can support counties in building transparent and accountable governance systems.
“Through the support of the European Union and FAO’s technical expertise, this GIS Laboratory will enable Kisumu to make decisions based on data, strengthen transparency in land administration and support long-term sustainable development.”
As the gateway to the Lake Region and a growing economic hub within the East African Community, Kisumu is experiencing rapid urban expansion. County leaders say the GIS Laboratory will ensure that this growth is guided by knowledge, innovation and reliable data.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Dr. Charles K’onyango, CECM for Lands and Physical Planning, George Okong’o, CECM for Finance and Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, alongside representatives from FAO and other county officials.
