Computerized land information system as a tool of land record management

Abstract

This project thesis presents a conceptual framework for a land information system that would result in increased revenue collection from the land rent section of the Department of Lands, Ministry of Lands and Settlement. It point out the need for a comprehensive database containing both physical and socio-economic data supported by powerful analytical capabilities as the basis for effective decision making on land rent for tax revenue collection. The Government has admittedly a lot of untapped revenue in the form of unrevised land rents and land rent defaulters. The land rent section however is crippled by the manual system of record keeping in all its departments ,and lack of policy instruments for effective management of information. Information obtained from the land rent section reveals that there's an outstanding arrears in land rent to the tune of Kenya Shilling 4,8.00,000,000 (Four Billion, Eight Million Shillings) or US$ 60,000,000 (Forty eight million dollars). Land rent ,has not been taken seriously by many leaseholders due to the Government's laxity in revising and collecting it. The researcher has identified the type and nature of problems of land rent determination, record management and collection. A conceptual model showing the components of a computerized land information system has been analyzed and potential benefits and possible solutions to the problems outlined using selected properties from the Nairobi hill area. The possibilities of using land information as a corporate resource have also been explored. To achieve the above objectives, the researcher conducted oral interviews with personnel from the land rent section and other departments that influence the determination of land rent like the valuers and land officers. Several leaseholders were interviewed with the view of determining the level of awareness of the need to pay land rent. The model for a computerized land information system was then developed using a digitized map of the selected area of study and available socio-economic data on these properties. The level of awareness of the need to pay land rent was analysed usmg statistical methods of data analysis. Capabilities of the computerised land information system were then analysed and the findings compared to the current manual system of record collection to draw results. Possible solutions to the p~dentified in using the manual system have also been addressed. The researcher recommends after analysis of the findings that there be a general rent review for all leasehold properties within the country using computer aided valuation methods with an emphasis on Multiple Regression Analysis. There is need to educate leaseholders on the importance of prompt payment of land rent. Automation of land rent records is the viable solution to the multiplicity of preblems currently faced by the section as regards retrieval of information and management of land rent records. All these recommendations can only be implemented where there is a sound policy framework on land information management. The land information system generated would be beneficial to other government ministries and other departments within the ministry of land. There is therefore need to consider the use of the land information as a corporate resource.