Geo-information communication technology: the multi-purpose cadaster role in efficient and sustainable land management: the case of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development

The National Land Policy and the currently enacted land laws require every parcel of land to be registered regardless of its tenure status. This brings much to bear on the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development which is the sole repository of cadastral data and registered titles; thus, ushering in a need for a better tool for data/information management. Required is an instrument that ensures the integrity of recorded rights and interests in land and property so that transactions in land and property can occur efficiently and effectively to enable resources to be managed proficiently and equitably. The study sought to identify capacity needs associated with employment of a Multi­ Purpose Cadastre in the course of realising efficient, effective and sustainable land management. A questionnaire was administered to senior officials in the ministry followed up by interviews, observation and going through documentaries to unearth the gist of the problem. In the course of capacity assessment it was unveiled that a good job has been done on the component of infrastructure capacity, though much remains to be done at societal, organization and entity level. In order to employ a Multi-Purpose Cadastre, the Ministry has to institute a NGIP, replace outdated laws, integrate the databases, and strengthen existing software skill levels to its employees and stakeholders in regions and councils.