A data landscape assessment was carried out in Vihiga County by Digireg Kenya Limited. The evaluation revealed notable deficiencies in technological capability, worker retention, and data continuity brought on by antiquated software and inadequate data protection. Clear interdepartmental Service Level Agreements (SLAs), frequent data updates, a master plan for a strong data ecosystem, and enhanced organizational structure within the GIS Lab are among the recommendations. By making this change, agencies will be able to use geographic data more efficiently for resource management, county planning, and service delivery.
The study also highlights the GIS Lab’s conversion to a “Geodetic Service Hub” in order to provide updated geospatial and analytical tools to better serve different departments. For ministries like Health, Agriculture, and Public Service, where data-driven insights can maximize program efficiency, stakeholder interviews emphasized the significance of a data ecosystem. The basis for Vihiga County’s shift to a data-driven government structure has been laid by initiatives such as specialized training for GIS personnel, improved departmental coordination, and expedited asset management.