March 17, 2021
Decentralisation programme to bring services closer to the people – CS Karoney
Lands and Physical Planning Cabinet Secretary Farida Karoney has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to bring land services closer to the people through its decentralisation programme.
Speaking when she opened the newly-refurbished Ngong Land Registry, CS Karoney said the programme, which forms part of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2020-2024) will help save Kenyans time and money that is now spent on long travels to Ardhi House.
“Our plan is to ensure Kenyans can access land services at the grassroots so that they do not have to travel all the way to Nairobi. We have so far opened several new registries and refurbished others in different parts of the country; and we will continue to do so to ensure this vision is realised.
“We do not wish to see Kenyans from Ngong or other parts of the country come to Ardhi House to access services that should be accessible at their counties. We want to ensure all land services are available at the grassroots level,” she said.
She further noted that the planned countrywide roll-out of the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) will make it even easier for customers to carry out land transactions.
“We are on course to roll-out the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) in Nairobi, after which we shall venture into the other parts of the country. His Excellency the President intends to ensure the whole country is fully digitalised by August 2022.
“The new system will enable customers to carry out the land transactions on their mobile phones or computers at the comfort of their homes or offices,” she said.
The Lands CS further urged Ministry staff deployed at the Registry to serve Kenyans diligently and shun corruption, while calling on Kenyans seeking services to desist from engaging in acts of bribery.
“Cases of bribery are perpetuated by two parties, the giver and the receiver. Kenyans should desist from giving bribes to get government services because civil servants are paid their salaries from your taxes. It is, therefore, your right as a taxpaying Kenyan, to access these services,” she warned.
She further noted that under the decentralisation programme, all registries in the country that are in dire condition will be renovated and fully-equipped to allow for better delivery of services to Kenyans.
“As we speak, every registry in the country has a motor vehicle to ensure mobility that allows them to traverse the counties to address land issues.
“We are in the process of improving working conditions in all the registries by ensuring all the necessary amenities are available as we seek to create a conducive environment for both our staff and the public,” stated the CS
The event was attended by among others Lands and Physical Planning CAS Alex Mwiru, Lands PS Nicholas Muraguri, Physical Planning PS Enosh Momanyi, Kajiado Deputy Governor Moshisho Martine among others.
