Nairobi, 26th September 2024
126 Environment Officers drawn from the Sub- County and Ward level have today graduated and awarded certificates from a training on Specialized Geographic Information Systems (GIS), at Safari Park Hotel.
The training which was a collaboration between Nairobi City County, African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) and Integrated Deprived Area Mapping System (IDEAMAPS), was designed to enhance the use of geospatial technologies, and aimed at equipping the team with special analysis tools and techniques necessary for effective environmental management and decision making.
Special focus during the training was on the preparation and collection of geospatial data, ensuring that the environment officers are well equipped to gather data efficiently and ethically and use it to improve operational capacity and efficiency in the department.
“This training will greatly foster a deeper understanding of how to leverage geospatial data in order to address pressing environmental challenges we face as a city. The insights gained here will undoubtedly have a ripple effect in enhancing our capacity to make informed decisions.” Said Green Nairobi County Executive Member Ms. Maureen Njeri, who was the Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony.
Ms. Njeri explained that the environment department had made efforts to incorporate GIS in implementation of some sector objectives like geo- locating air quality monitors installed in different areas across the city that gives air pollution levels in real- time. “This has been instrumental in identifying air pollution hotspots, subsequently informing policy decisions. It is our belief that working together with APHRC will greatly complement our achievements and fill the existing gaps towards enhanced service delivery. Added Ms. Njeri.
The Green Nairobi Executive Member went on to mention key areas where the GIS application will play a crucial role such as; mapping out illegal dumpsites for enforcement action, digitization of public parks, creating green corridors, tracking pollution levels across different parts, mapping of zones for clubs and other social amenities and tracking the premises for enforcement and compliance, mapping flood prone areas to minimize the lasting impacts of climate change and identifying areas at risk of flooding during heavy rains amongst many others.
She noted that the application will also help create an interactive platform where people can access environmental data hence enhancing public awareness and engagement in environmental conservation.
The CECM told the environment officers that she expects a state of environmental report from all wards by the end of the financial year. She also instructed environment officers from all wards to map out illegal dumping sites, areas of environmental pollution and yards used for separating and
sorting out waste in the next one month. “The mapping out will help in identifying high, medium and low risk areas, thus informing on resource allocation.” She said.
The County Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria said that the training will enable the teamwork and report better on their daily duties, adding that the use of GIS technology will help in mapping out illegal dumping which is rampant in Nairobi.
While assuring the environment officers of the top leadership support, Mr. Mosiria asked them to carry out their duties without any intimidation terming political interference as the biggest challenge.
Mr. John Paul Malawi, the County Environment Director said that the County was grateful for partnering with APHRC, IDEAMAPS, SISTARS and University of Nairobi in making the training fruitful, noting that the skills gained will advance and improve on service delivery in Nairobi. He encouraged all officers to embrace and use the technology learnt to bridge the gaps experienced in service delivery.
County Director Water and Sanitation Mr. Mario Kainga invited partnership from APHRC in mapping out Sanitation facilities in the informal settlements.
Also in attendance were Deputy Directors from the Environment Subsector, CEO Tana Water Works Development Agency among others, Head Population Dynamics and Urbanization (APHRC), SISTARS PI, University of Nairobi representative among others.
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