The World Bank pushed for land reforms before granting Kenya a Ksh27 billion loan channelled towards President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda.
Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company received the loan issued by World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Developments.
The National Treasury under CS Ukur Yatani stated that the money would be used to support the affordable housing projects in Kenya.
However, the World Bank wants the Lands Ministry under CS Farida Karoney to expedite the digital reforms unveiled by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) dubbed Ardhisasa is part of the ministry's digital transformation plan.
"Optimise land use and enhance land rights through harmonised, efficient and equitable interventions.
"This should be done in surveying, valuation, planning, adjudication, taxation and conflict resolution of both rural and urban lands," the World Bank directed.
While unveiling the platform on Tuesday, April 27, Uhuru insisted that it would enhance land transactions and service access and also curb corruption.
"At the click of a button, users will now be able to search and carry out various land transactions, drastically reducing human interactions, delays and other inconveniences previously experienced at land registries," Uhuru assured.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) was part of the team that built the platform as the government sought to cut costs witnessed during the hiring and contracting of private developers.
The World Bank's demands on land reforms come a few weeks after the lender pushed Kenya to raise water bills by increasing conservative levies and regulatory charges for water companies in a Ksh80 billion loan.
The current debt burden stands at Ksh7.28 trillion and was projected to rise to Ksh9.37 trillion in 2023.
Uhuru reiterated that the loan funds and taxes would be used to develop the country as he seeks to achieve his Big 4 Agenda legacy prior to retirement.
