20/02/2026
Kitui County Secures Public Land with Inventory in Mwingi Central Ward
In a major boost to transparent and sustainable land management, the Kitui County Government —through its Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (LHUD)—has successfully completed a comprehensive public land inventory in Mwingi Central Ward. This initiative was carried out in close partnership with FAO Kenya FAO Kenya under the EU-FAO Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP) and the National Land Commission.
The field-based exercise focused on on-site mapping and digitization of public land parcels, aimed at strengthening tenure security, preventing encroachment fueled by population growth, and enabling effective, long-term resource management. It directly tackles historical documentation gaps that have hindered orderly development in the area.
Key Outcomes Include:
- Detailed field mapping and ground verification of public land parcels.
- Creation of a robust GIS-based database recording essential attributes such as parcel number/LR No., georeferenced location, status (developed/undeveloped), current or intended use, acreage, fair market value, and ownership type.
- Production of interactive digital maps and a dedicated geodatabase highlighting public utilities, recreation spaces, and conservation areas.
- Establishment of clear protocols for data sharing, regular updates, and secure stakeholder access.
This achievement advances the DLGP's core mission of digitizing land records and processes while fulfilling Kitui County's constitutional responsibilities under Articles 62 and 67 to protect and administer public land. It also directly supports H.E. Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s 16-Point Agenda—as articulated in his manifesto "The Kitui Promise" and embedded in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027—especially the pillar of Planned Urban Development.
By providing accurate spatial data, the inventory facilitates organized urbanization, curbs irregular settlements, supports essential economic infrastructure, unlocks untapped resources, and drives inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and enhanced livelihoods for Kitui residents.
This exercise marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with similar public land inventories planned for other wards across the county to ensure consistent, countywide land governance improvements.
