Lands Department enhances digital training for staff to advance Kenya’s Vision 2030, digital economy goals
KISUMU, October 17, 2025
The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning is accelerating Kenya’s journey toward a fully digitized land administration system through ongoing trainings on the National Stamp Duty Module (NSDM),
The training aims to equip land officers with the technical expertise required to implement the NSDM, a system designed to streamline the collection, verification, and remittance of stamp duty payments.
The training has already been conducted for five out of eight targeted county clusters. Training has been held in Malindi, Isiolo, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, and has just concluded in Kisumu.
Speaking in Kisumu during a one-week training for land officers, National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) Director Monica Obongo emphasized that the NSDM plays a key role in improving the ease of doing business, a vital step in attracting both local and international investments.
“Through the National Stamp Duty Module, we are closing the gaps that have long hindered efficiency in revenue collection,” said Ms. Obongo.
“This system ensures that every transaction is traceable, every payment is verifiable, and every officer is empowered to serve Kenyans with integrity and accuracy. Our focus is not just on automation but on building public trust in government services.”
By adopting a fully digital approach, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning continues to uphold its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public service delivery.
This week, the State Department conducted training in Kisumu for Registrars and Valuers based in Kisumu, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Busia, Migori, and Siaya Counties. The training improves the hands-on skills of officers while also strengthening institutional capacity to deliver faster and more accurate services to citizens and investors.
The intensive training, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU) Digital Land Governance Programme, have been instrumental in advancing digitization efforts across the country.
The NSDM is part of the Ardhisasa system. It enables users to pay stamp duty for property transactions digitally through ArdhiPay, facilitating secure and cashless land related payments. This initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to modernize land processes in line with Vision 2030 and the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), both of which prioritize technology driven governance and sustainable economic growth.
The automation of stamp duty collection minimizes human error, seals revenue leakages, and ensures that all payments are verifiable, thereby enhancing confidence in Kenya’s land sector.
In his remarks, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo commended the Ministry for extending capacity building initiatives to the counties, noting that digital transformation is vital for fostering accountability and enhancing public confidence in government institutions.
“The National Stamp Duty Module will not only enhance efficiency in land transactions but also seal revenue leakages that have historically undermined public service delivery,” said Mr. Leparmorijo. “Kisumu takes pride in being part of this national transformation, which aligns perfectly with the government’s goal of building a digital economy that benefits every Kenyan.”
The system’s transparency and reliability assure investors of predictable and credible land transactions, which are essential for economic expansion.
As Kenya moves toward a digitally empowered public service, the Ministry remains focused on promoting smart governance tools that support national development.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Project Assistant Nancy Cheruiyot noted that the NSDM training is not just a capacity building exercise but a strategic milestone in aligning land management with Kenya’s digital economy vision.
“FAO is proud to support the NSDM training, recognizing it not merely as a capacity building initiative but as a pivotal step toward modernizing land governance in alignment with Kenya’s digital economy vision. This milestone underscores our commitment to empowering institutions with the tools and knowledge needed to drive sustainable development,” said Ms. Cheruiyot.
The training in Kisumu was conducted in the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel.
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