ISK Calls for quick Eradication of Land Sector Challenges

By Mwakwaya Raymond

Email, thecoastnespaper@gmail.com

 The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) wants government to swiftly eradicate persistent challenges in Kenya’s land sector reforms.

While Kenya has made significant progress in land reforms and digital land administration, ISK noted that several obstacles continue to hinder efficiency and equity. 

These include the continued use of general boundaries, outdated legislation, weak inter-agency coordination, and limited data-sharing frameworks.

Speaking during the two-day conference themed “Future-Ready Landed Professionals: Fostering Excellence and Resilience”, ISK President Eric Nyadimo said the forum seeks to strengthen professional capacity for sustainable development, resilience building, and digital transformation across Kenya and Africa.

“The world is facing rapid urbanisation, climate change, and environmental degradation. Land and built environment professionals must anticipate these shifts and provide spatial intelligence to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution,” Nyadimo said.

He noted that the summit underscores ISK’s continued commitment to nurturing skilled professionals capable of navigating evolving challenges in land governance, valuation, surveying, property management, mining, and natural resource management.

Despite notable progress in land reforms and digitisation, Nyadimo highlighted persistent gaps in policy and coordination.

“Challenges remain, including reliance on general boundaries, outdated laws, and weak inter-agency coordination that hinder effective data sharing,” he said, adding that the conference provides a platform for multi-sectoral dialogue to generate practical solutions and share innovations from across the continent.

ISK Deputy President Nelly Mbugua said the conference theme reflects the need for adaptability and integrity in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

“It is about being agile and relevant in the face of disruption. To foster excellence is to uphold integrity and professionalism while staying grounded in our purpose as we innovate and evolve,” she said.

ISK called for these impediments to be “eradicated swiftly and decisively” to pave the way for a fully digital, transparent, and inclusive land governance system.

ISK, officials made the remarks as it hosted the 10th ISK Africa Regional Conference from October 30–31, 2025, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa County.

Fostering Excellence and Resilience,” the conference brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa to deliberate on innovative solutions to long-standing land administration challenges.

Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Development

The conference highlighted the vital role of landed professionals in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, urbanization, and technological disruption. 

ISK emphasized that professionals must not only meet present needs but also anticipate future demands, integrating innovation, ethics, and sustainability in their practice.

“Our mission is to empower professionals who can navigate the complexities of land governance while upholding excellence, resilience, and integrity,” said Nyadimo.

Delegates explored the use of geospatial information systems (GIS), AI-driven data analysis, and smart valuation tools to enhance land management, address tenure insecurity, and combat land degradation.

Anchoring Kenya’s Development Agenda

ISK’s initiatives align closely with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the National Land Policy 2023.

 The conference also drew connections with broader continental and global frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, UN-Habitat’s Global Land Tool Network, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Building a Resilient Future

The two-day event served as a platform for deep reflection on the current state of land management while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.

 Discussions centered on reimagining the role of landed professionals, formulating actionable policy recommendations, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.

ISK reiterated its vision of a profession that is ethical, innovative, inclusive, and impactful, aiming to nurture experts capable of leading Africa’s transition toward a resilient and equitable future.

“The future of land governance lies in our collective ability to eliminate inefficiencies, embrace technology, and champion sustainability,” Nyadimo concluded.

As Kenya and the African continent continue to evolve, the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya remains steadfast in its pursuit of a transformative land sector-one free from the challenges that have long hindered progress and prosperity.