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Transforming Census Operations with ArcGIS: The KNBS Success Story

Rachael Mutuli — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:00:33 +0000

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the country’s official statistics agency under the Ministry of National Treasury and Planning, plays a critical role in collecting and disseminating data that informs national development strategies. As part of its mandate, KNBS conducts the National Population and Housing Census every ten years. In preparation for the 2019 Census, the organization aimed to modernize its pre-enumeration process by transitioning to a more efficient, digital workflow.

The Challenge: Modernizing Field Data Collection

KNBS previously relied on manual methods, including pen-and-paper data collection and handheld devices, to gather information on households, homesteads, and key village landmarks. These traditional methods were not only time-consuming but also susceptible to inaccuracies and data loss. Additionally, processing the collected information required substantial manpower and lacked real-time insights for management, which hindered timely decision-making.

The Solution: ArcGIS-Powered Field Operations

To overcome these challenges, KNBS collaborated with Esri Eastern Africa to implement a suite of ArcGIS tools that would support its data collection, processing, and reporting needs. The deployment included:

Survey123 for ArcGIS, a mobile, form-based data collection app that enabled field staff to capture accurate information efficiently, even in offline environments.

ArcGIS Online, which provided centralized cloud-based data management and sharing capabilities.

Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS, which offered real-time monitoring and visual analytics for project supervisors and decision-makers.

This integrated approach allowed KNBS to replace manual workflows with a streamlined, digital solution that enhanced operational efficiency and data accuracy.

The Impact: Improved Accuracy, Efficiency, and Oversight

The adoption of ArcGIS technology led to significant operational improvements. Over 400 field officers actively used Survey123 during the pre-enumeration project, benefiting from built-in validation checks that reduced data entry errors. The secure login system enhanced data security, while managers could monitor field activities in real time through the Operations Dashboard.

Additionally, KNBS staff reported improved capabilities in producing interactive maps, which supported the identification and verification of locations being visited. With access to more variables from the data dictionary, field teams were able to make informed decisions more effectively. The transition also streamlined data processing and dissemination, enabling faster turnaround times and broader public access to information through interactive, online platforms.

Looking Ahead

KNBS’s implementation of the ArcGIS platform has demonstrated the value of geospatial technology in large-scale national initiatives. By digitizing field operations and enabling real-time data access and analysis, the agency significantly enhanced its ability to manage and share critical population data. The success of this initiative serves as a model for other public sector institutions seeking to modernize their data workflows and improve service delivery through GIS.

Disclaimer: This case study was originally published by Esri. View full Article here: https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/en-us/media/pdf/KNBS_Case%20Study.pdf

Building Stories in the Wild: A Week at Lake Nakuru National Park

Rachael Mutuli — Tue, 27 May 2025 14:59:18 +0000

In the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park stretches across rolling grasslands and acacia woodlands, home to a vibrant mix of wildlife from flamingos skimming the lake’s surface to rhinos grazing in the distance. In October 2019, this scenic sanctuary became more than a haven for nature; it became the backdrop for a new kind of conservation effort: storytelling.

A group of 25 professionals from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania gathered at the park for a weeklong digital storytelling workshop. They weren’t scientists or rangers this time, they were communicators, marketers, and tourism officers, all eager to learn how to use modern tools to tell the stories of the places and wildlife they protect.

The workshop, part of the ArcGIS Solution for Protected Area Management Initiative, was led by a team from the National Geographic Society and Esri. Their mission was simple but ambitious: to equip conservationists with the skills to tell compelling, data-driven stories using ArcGIS StoryMaps.

The week began with lessons in the art of storytelling; how to structure a narrative, create emotional impact, and use photography as a visual language. The participants explored examples of powerful conservation stories, learning what makes a message stick and why storytelling is a crucial part of conservation work.

As the training progressed, the group ventured into the park. Armed with cameras, GPS tools, and fresh ideas, they roamed through rhino sanctuaries and scenic overlooks, capturing images, collecting data, and gathering the elements that would shape their individual stories. Each participant chose a theme, something personal or pressing, from the role of rangers to community conservation efforts.

Back in the workshop room, the air buzzed with focus. Photos were sorted, maps created, and text drafted. With guidance from the instructors, each person used ArcGIS StoryMaps to transform raw fieldwork into immersive, interactive digital narratives.

By the end of the week, everyone had a story to share complete with visuals, maps, and a message that mattered. Stories ranged from the sounds of Lake Nakuru to tales of transformation among Maasai women and park rangers. Participants presented their completed story maps, showcasing not only their newly acquired skills but also a deeper, more creative connection to their work.

Many of these stories have since been shared within their organizations, sparking wider interest in using digital storytelling for outreach and education. The impact of the training continues, with follow-up support provided and future workshops already in the works.

Lake Nakuru was just the beginning. As the initiative moves to new regions, more conservationists will gain the tools and confidence to tell their stories, and by doing so, bring the vital work of protecting Africa’s natural heritage to the world’s attention.

View full article here: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-storymaps/announcements/storytelling-capacity-building-lake-nakuru-national-park

Tacare: Community Mapping Sparks a Global Conservation Movement

Rachael Mutuli — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:40:37 +0000

In the late 1980s, Jane Goodall observed a stark contrast between Tanzania’s Gombe National Park and the surrounding land. While the park remained lush, it was encircled by deforested hills and agricultural settlements. Local communities had overexploited resources, cutting trees for charcoal and farming infertile land. Without habitat corridors, Gombe’s chimpanzees faced isolation, threatening their survival. Goodall realized that conservation efforts needed to focus on the people living near wildlife habitats.

Tacare: A People-Centered Conservation Model

In 1994, with support from the European Union, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) launched the Tacare program. Initially focused on villages near Lake Tanganyika, Tacare aimed to engage local communities as conservation leaders. The program’s approach—engage, listen, understand, act, and empower—became a model for sustainable development across Africa.

A map of the Gombe north corridor comparing areas of chimp populations in Gombe National Park and Burundi with human housing. The map was compiled from Maxar satellite imagery, village boundaries, and forest reserves. Image courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute, Lilian Pintea.

Nearly three decades later, Tacare has impacted over 100 communities in Tanzania and inspired similar initiatives in countries like Uganda, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A critical tool in this success is geographic information system (GIS) technology, which helps visualize and manage conservation efforts.

Mapping Conservation Challenges

In the early 2000s, JGI incorporated GIS into its conservation strategy. By analyzing satellite imagery, JGI identified deforestation patterns and their impact on communities and wildlife. For example, maps revealed how deforestation near Gombe led to erosion, landslides, and habitat loss. These maps allowed Tacare teams to show communities the long-term consequences of environmental degradation.

Instead of dictating solutions, JGI used maps to facilitate dialogue. Community members annotated large satellite maps, identifying significant features like farms, water sources, and sacred sites. This process fostered collaboration and trust, enabling locals to actively participate in conservation planning.

The African countries in which JGI operates, with locations of Tacare projects in relation to chimpanzee range habitats.

Empowering Communities with Technology

Tacare’s participatory approach extends to training locals in GIS and mobile mapping tools. Using smartphones and apps like ArcGIS Survey123, community members monitor forests, track land use, and contribute to data collection. These efforts ensure that conservation plans reflect both local knowledge and scientific insights.

Additionally, Tacare incorporates sustainable livelihood programs, such as beekeeping and growing medicinal plants, to provide economic alternatives that reduce environmental strain. Former poachers, for instance, have been integrated into forest monitoring teams, creating a direct connection between conservation and income generation.

Tacare relies on an iterative approach, sometimes with halting progress. It begins by establishing personal relationships and simply inviting locals to sit and talk about what they need. Here Emmanuel Mtiti (third from left) facilitates a community mapping discussion with a high-resolution Maxar satellite image. Image courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute, Lilian Pintea.

A Proven Model for Global Impact

Tacare demonstrates that conservation succeeds when communities are central to decision-making. By fostering local ownership, the program has achieved long-term sustainability. Even when setbacks occur, the relationships built through Tacare encourage communities to continue supporting conservation efforts.

Jane Goodall regards Tacare as a beacon of hope, describing it as “the very embodiment of hope for the future of our planet.” The program’s success proves that by combining science, technology, and community empowerment, conservation can address the intertwined challenges of human and environmental survival.

Disclaimer: This article was originally written by David Gadsden View full article here: https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/goodall-tacare-human-wildlife-relationship/

Join the movement to empower communities and protect wildlife by exploring the transformative impact of Tacare today.

Nairobi: Spatial Data and Maps Empower Advocacy for the Urban Poor

Rachael Mutuli — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:00:16 +0000

In May 2020, during a COVID-19 lockdown in Nairobi, Kenya, approximately 7,000 people in the low-income Kariobangi settlement were forcibly evicted to clear land for a sewer infrastructure project. In the following days, demolitions destroyed much of the area, displacing residents.

News of the crisis reached Pamoja Trust, a Kenyan advocacy group for urban poor communities. Recognizing the potential for more evictions tied to similar projects, Pamoja Trust partnered with Cadasta, a global nonprofit specializing in land and resource rights technology. The goal was to rapidly gather evidence to advocate against further displacement and to raise awareness among vulnerable communities.

(Image courtesy of Pamoja Trust)

Using GIS technology, the teams reviewed Nairobi’s sewerage plans. By overlaying demolition zones with population density data from Facebook’s Data for Good initiative and aerial imagery, they uncovered a startling reality: six additional demolition sites threatened the homes of over 70,000 people in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The Vulnerability of Nairobi’s Urban Poor

The Kariobangi demolitions highlighted long-standing challenges for Nairobi’s informal settlements, which house up to 70% of the city’s nearly five million residents. Despite their large population, these communities lack basic services and legal land protections, leaving residents at constant risk of eviction. Without formal land rights, these settlements are often deemed uninhabited, enabling governments to bypass regulations like advance notice, compensation, or relocation provisions during public works projects.

Empowering Communities Through Data and Advocacy

Pamoja Trust and Cadasta used GIS tools to create interactive maps that visualized the population density and demolition zones, highlighting the human cost of the sewerage project. This information was shared with community coalitions, such as Muungano wa Wanavijiji, Kenya’s urban poor federation. The maps galvanized communities to take action, leading to government petitions and halting the sewerage plans temporarily.

While the sewerage improvements remain critical for Nairobi’s development, the advocacy ensured that affected communities are now part of the discussion. This inclusion enables more equitable solutions, such as compensation or alternative housing arrangements.

A Sustainable Model for Advocacy

The collaboration between Pamoja Trust and Cadasta exemplifies “data empowerment,” which equips communities with tools and information to advocate for themselves. By making informal settlements visible through spatial data, residents can demonstrate their contributions to the city and negotiate for the protection of their homes and livelihoods.

Disclaimer: This article was originally written by Jen Van Deusen.

Discover more about how GIS is empowering communities and driving impactful change by visiting our store.

Born Free Uses Smart Maps to Protect Lions and Resolve Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Rachael Mutuli — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:21:26 +0000

In regions of Africa, lions frequently clash with livestock herders, leading to threats against both animals and people. Traditional efforts, such as relocating lions away from cattle, often fail. Many lions attempt to return to their original territories, preying on livestock, which provokes retaliatory killings by herders. Others perish due to stress, territorial disputes with dominant male lions, or dangers encountered on their way back.

To tackle this issue humanely, the Born Free Foundation has reinforced cattle enclosures, known as bomas, with durable chain-link fencing to make them predator-proof. Traditional bomas made of acacia thorns are effective at containing livestock but fail to keep lions out. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology, Born Free maps areas adjacent to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park to identify where fortified bomas can best reduce conflicts. GIS-powered apps allow field officers to pinpoint regions needing upgrades and assess the success of existing reinforcements.

So far, 339 bomas have been fortified, safeguarding approximately 100,000 livestock and benefiting nearly 7,000 people. This effort has contributed to a steady increase in Amboseli’s lion population, from 50 individuals in 2008 to around 200 today. Additionally, strengthened bomas improve herders’ lives, allowing men who previously stayed awake at night to protect livestock to explore other income-generating activities.

Born Free’s conservation team works closely with indigenous communities, including the Maasai, using GIS smart maps to track conflict hotspots, plan interventions, and conduct community outreach. This technology helps identify schools and villages for awareness campaigns on peaceful coexistence with lions.

Expanding the Boma Solution

Nighttime lion attacks on livestock can devastate Maasai herders economically, often leading to retaliatory killings of lions, which are already vulnerable. Born Free collaborates with communities to install chain-link bomas, requiring applicants to cover 25% of the cost while the foundation subsidizes the remaining 75%. Their technical team constructs the bomas and trains locals on maintenance.

The Maasai also report lion sightings to help other herders avoid high-risk areas. Born Free promotes better herding practices, such as employing multiple adult herders instead of children. Mobile GIS apps provide real-time updates on boma coverage and conflicts, helping identify unprotected regions and understand the reasons behind varying conflict levels.

Protecting Lions in Meru National Park

Born Free’s mission extends to Meru National Park, the historic home of Elsa, the lioness celebrated in the book and movie Born Free. GIS tools track both collared and uncollared lions, monitor habitat use, and study threats to lion populations. Vegetation surveys and environmental data collection using GIS contribute to conservation management plans that ensure sustainable solutions for wildlife.

GIS also helps the foundation tackle water management issues in Meru National Park. By mapping water diversions, Born Free educates communities on the impact of damming rivers and promotes alternative, sustainable practices to preserve water for wildlife.

This map shows the extent of the Born Free Foundation’s work to protect communities all around Amboseli National Park. (Click on the image to see a larger map.)

Almost half of Africa’s lions have been lost in the last 20 years, with Kenya’s population dropping from 10,000 in the 1980s to around 2,000 today. By combining GIS technology with community collaboration, Born Free aims to stabilize and grow lion populations while fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Disclaimer: This article was originally written by David Gadsden.

Discover more inspiring case studies on how GIS is transforming conservation efforts by visiting Esri EA blog.

Uganda Flying Labs: Safeguarding Coffee Farmers Against Risk

Rachael Mutuli — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:26:57 +0000

In Uganda, where coffee reigns as the largest export crop, the stakes are high for farmers facing challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty. Uganda ranking seventh in global coffee production and second in Africa, the need to safeguard this vital industry has never been more pressing. Traditionally, coffee harvests occur once a year, but in Uganda, the harvest spans from November to February, with a smaller, second harvest known as the fly crop from June to September.

High-resolution drone imagery of project area

Challenge

Due to climate change, rising temperatures and erratic patterns pose significant threats to coffee crops, leaving them vulnerable to pests, diseases, and reduced quality and yield. Moreover, the COVID- 19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty for farmers, disrupting cash flow and access to essential resources such as fertilizer, irrigation equipment, and high-quality seeds. Access to finance, agricultural training, and market data remains limited, exacerbating the challenges faced by both commercial and rural farmers.

To address these challenges, The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) plays a crucial role in maximizing coffee yield production, export, and quality control. However, traditional methods of monitoring crop health, such as on-the-ground physical inspections, are costly, rime-consuming, and often limited in scope.

NDVI vegetation health map

Solution

Uganda Flying Labs, a company specializing in drone technology and data analytics has been at the forefront in addressing these challenges – with a mission to promote sustainable adoption of technology in the region. Through a project funded by a microgrant, Uganda Flying Labs embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to capture high-resolution multispectral and RGB imagery using drones equipped with cameras.

By leveraging advanced image interpretation and geospatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS Image Analyst and ArcGIS Pro, the project aimed to map individual coffee plant stands, assess their health, and identify areas under stress. Utilizing drones equipped with multispectral cameras, the project covered 44 hectares of coffee plantation, generating a wealth of data including digital surface models, reflectance maps, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps.

Map of detected coffee tree stands color-coded by vegetation health

Results

The results were nothing short of transformative. By overlaying NDVI maps with slope and contour maps, the project identified areas at risk of erosion and flood, providing crucial insights for stakeholders such as UCDA, lenders, insurers, and farmers. UCDA was keen to utilize this technology to estimate yields nationwide and address factors limiting improvements in crop yields and exports.

For farmers, exporters, and lenders alike, the project provided actionable insights into crop health, soil conditions, water needs, erosion risks, and more, empowering them to make informed decisions and intervene quickly when needed. With an intuitive GIS application, stakeholders can easily access and analyze the data, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable coffee industry in Uganda.

Uganda Flying Labs crew members

The collaboration between Uganda Flying Labs and stakeholders in the coffee industry represents a beacon of hope for farmers facing the dual challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty. By harnessing the power of drone technology and data analytics, Uganda Flying Labs is helping to mitigate risk and ensure the long-term viability of Uganda’s coffee sector.

Disclaimer: This Article was first published by esri. View full story here

Drileyo Gilbert: The GIS Trailblazer Transforming Uganda’s Wildlife Conservation Landscape

Rachael Mutuli — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:54:48 +0000

The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) is shedding light on the impactful stories of geospatial technology enthusiasts through its new series, Faces of YPN. In this edition, we focus on Drileyo Gilbert, a wildlife biologist and research scientist at the Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute. Gilbert shares his experiences, highlighting the crucial role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in wildlife conservation efforts.

Drileyo Gilbert conducting mobile work.

Drileyo Gilbert’s journey with GIS

Gilbert’s passion for GIS did not evolve overnight but through dedication, determination, and hard work. Despite limited exposure to training opportunities and financial constraints, he embraced GIS during his time at the Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute pursuing a Diploma course in wildlife & natural resource management from 2014-2016, and as a conservation volunteer at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Through hands-on experiences with SMART conservation software and the EarthRanger Application, Gilbert honed his skills, setting the foundation for his GIS journey.

Education and skill development

During his pursuit of a diploma in wildlife & natural resource management (2014-2016), GIS was part of Gilbert’s curriculum, albeit with limited practical exposure. Subsequently, at Makerere University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (2017-2020), he actively sought GIS-related training within the university, earning several certificates. Dr. Gilbert also organized GIS training courses for fellow students, fostering social networks and collaborative learning.

GIS applications in conservation

Gilbert primarily utilizes ArcGIS software for various spatial analyses, including mapping species distribution, monitoring vegetation changes through remote sensing, network analysis, occupancy modeling, terrain analysis, and wildlife movement mapping with telemetry data. His specialization in African lion research involves GIS applications such as habitat suitability mapping, home range estimation, and threat mapping for wire snare poaching.

Gilbert conducted mobile work and photographed a female African lion.

Notable GIS Projects

Among his projects, Gilbert’s undergraduate research focused on mapping the spatial distribution of wire snares and associated risk determinants in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Subsequent projects involved invasive species mapping, wildlife species mapping with ranger patrol data, and conducting GIS training sessions for students at the Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute.

GIS training session for students at the Uganda Wildlife Research & Training Institute.

Recommendations for Young Professionals

Gilbert emphasizes hands-on GIS training by experienced mentors and advocates enrolling in applied GIS courses at recognized institutions to enhance skills. Furthermore, he acknowledges the influence of mentors such as Dr. Margaret Driciru, Mr. Fredrick Wanyama, Mr. Bazil Alidria, Dr. Alexander Braczkowski, Dr. Tutilo Mudumba, and Mr. Mustafa Nsubuga in shaping his GIS journey.

Esri YPN’s Impact

As a newcomer to Esri YPN, Gilbert, expresses excitement about the opportunity to connect with the GIS community. He sees this engagement as a stepping-stone to further his conservation career with a GIS and Remote Sensing specialization.

Gilbert conducting research in a lab.

Advice for Young Professionals

In his parting words, Gilbert encourages young professionals to recognize the significance of geospatial technology in addressing global challenges. He believes that investing efforts in GIS can empower individuals to become future change-makers, contributing to spatial problem-solving and influencing governmental decisions in a world grappling with climatic changes, epidemics, and political instabilities.

Drileyo Gilbert’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of GIS in wildlife conservation. His story serves as inspiration for young professionals aspiring to make a positive impact in the world through geospatial technology.

This article was first published by Alexa Vlahakis. View full story here: https://bit.ly/48yQaw3

Maps and Apps Revolutionize Water Management in Arusha City

Rachael Mutuli — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:09:45 +0000

The Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (AUWSA), entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing water supply and sewerage services in Arusha City, Tanzania, has embraced technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency. AUWSA’s mission centers around the efficient delivery of quality water and sanitation services using available resources and sustainable technologies.

In 2019, AUWSA embarked on a transformative journey by adopting ArcGIS, Esri’s comprehensive mapping and spatial analytics software. This transition was driven by the need for a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) package that could provide advanced capabilities for mobile data collection, visualization, and data management.

AUWSA staff perform leakage repair

Enhancing nonrevenue water management through GIS

ArcGIS quickly became an indispensable tool for AUWSA, supporting various aspects of their operations, including asset management, customer service, network planning, and leakage repair. This powerful GIS system played a pivotal role in the utility’s quest to reduce nonrevenue water.

Before ArcGIS implementation, leakage data was not tracked in the GIS, and there was no comprehensive information about nonrevenue water. However, ArcGIS Collector was introduced to collect leakage data from the field, empowering plumbers and surveyors with the tools to report and document leakages. This involved comprehensive training, including office-based and field-based instruction. Even engineers embraced the Collector app, reporting leakages while working in the field or at the office.

The visualization capabilities of ArcGIS Dashboards were harnessed to gain insights into the number of leaks and their repair progress. Additionally, AUWSA established district metered areas and conducted network isolations to identify problematic pipes. This led to a strategic pipe rehabilitation plan, resulting in an impressive 83 percent reduction in leakage rates and a 6 percent reduction in nonrevenue water.

ArcGIS also played a crucial role in understanding water consumption patterns. It provided analytical tools to identify anomalies, such as meters reporting zero consumption, facilitating prompt issue resolution.

The AUWSA Leakage Dashboard enables staff to monitor active leaks and repairs by day, week, month, or year as well as repairs by individual plumbers. Dashboards are also used to understand leakages per pipe diameter, material, and location.

Mitigating unauthorized water connection

To address illegal connections, AUWSA integrated ArcGIS Workforce and Survey123, streamlining the process of surveying and documenting meter statuses. This initiative involved surveying 3,883 houses, uncovering 545 plots with anomalies. Resolving these issues promises to boost revenue in the area significantly.

ArcGIS Dashboards played a key role in tracking project progress and performance measurements for individual workers. This enhanced transparency and improved management of daily operations. Managers could access dashboards on tablets, and large screens displayed data at the main office.

Upper left: A map showing an overview of customers in Block 1 of the survey. Next to it is a screen shot from the same block in Esri’s ArcGIS Workforce. Note that there are more Workforce tasks than customers. This is due to the fact that unmetered houses are added to Workforce as survey tasks. Lower Right: A screen shot of the survey staff use in the field to complete a meter status questionnaire. Analysis of survey data shown in ArcGIS Survey123

The expansion of water services into remote areas presented another challenge, but ArcGIS assisted in accurately mapping existing infrastructure and managing network expansion. The introduction of handheld Garmin GPS receivers paired with Collector allowed for precise asset location capture.

Key lessons learned include the need for smart devices for field applications, efficient staff training, clear strategy development with management support, and the establishment of a GIS department to serve all organization departments. AUWSA also has plans to use drones for leak identification and inspection of remote areas.

Delivering water and sanitation services

AUWSA’s adoption of ArcGIS has proven to be a transformative step. It has increased data quality, efficiency, and decision-making capabilities, ultimately supporting the utility’s goal of delivering quality water and sanitation services efficiently and effectively. ArcGIS has not only improved daily operations but also set a path for the utility’s future endeavors.

This story was first published by esri.com, view full story here

Kenyatta University: A Beacon of GIS Excellence in Eastern Africa

Rachael Mutuli — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:56:56 +0000

In a remarkable transformation, Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, rapidly evolved into a distinguished center of GIS excellence in Eastern Africa. This profound shift, propelled by an Esri enterprise license agreement under the 100 African Universities program, expanded the use of GIS technology from a limited research tool to a comprehensive multicampus ArcGIS implementation within just two years.

Kenyatta University, initially established as Kenyatta College in 1965, transitioned into a full-fledged university in 1985, bearing the name of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president post-independence from Britain in 1963. Today, the university boasts 12 campuses, catering to over 88,000 students.

Photo courtesy of Ninara/Flickr

Pioneering change

Simon M. Onywere, an associate professor and lecturer in the School of Environmental Studies, discovered GIS as an undergraduate in the late 1980s. Recognizing its potential, he championed the introduction of GIS across the university. The catalyst for this transformation was the announcement of Esri’s 100 African Universities program in 2011, aimed at fostering sustainable GIS curriculums in African universities.

Esri’s 100 African Universities program

Under this program, participating universities were granted a three-year enterprise license agreement for ArcGIS. However, universities had to meet specific requirements, particularly concerning computer infrastructure. Onywere, the driving force behind Kenyatta University’s endeavor, initiated the application process in 2012. It became evident that the existing server infrastructure was insufficient to support the anticipated use of ArcGIS, necessitating a convincing pitch to the university’s vice chancellor for additional server space.

By September 2013, the entire campus was fully equipped with GIS capabilities, marking a pivotal moment. To facilitate learning, Esri provided abundant online resources, including books, courses, and related materials as part of the program.

Introductory courses in ArcGIS aided the adoption of the software across the campus.

Customized learning

Initially, Onywere assumed that the students, being tech-savvy and with access to online educational materials, would swiftly embrace ArcGIS. However, the reality was different, as many students required introductory training to familiarize themselves with the software.

Recognizing this hurdle, Onywere developed an introductory ArcGIS training course that integrated with the existing curricula, making it accessible and relevant to students. This initiative not only boosted their confidence but also laid the foundation for geospatial literacy at Kenyatta University.

To scale up training efforts, Onywere collaborated with the former Institute for Research, Science & Technology, which was partnered with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi. Utilizing the GIS capabilities established by the research group, Onywere secured assistance from two interns to expedite training efforts. In just one year, over 1,000 Kenyatta University students had acquired essential ArcGIS skills.

Today, GIS is integrated into more than 15 areas of study across the university, contributing to diverse projects, including tourism resource mapping and the implementation of the University Geographical Data Portal.

Related: Why Teach With GIS?

Kenyatta University School of Environmental Studies faculty pose with visiting Esri staff members Joseph Kerski and Michael Gould.

Charting the future

The Esri enterprise license agreement has a broader objective in preparing Kenyatta University students to support the government’s goals outlined in Kenya Vision 2030, a national redevelopment program launched in 2008. The program seeks to elevate the quality of life, social well-being, and democratic voice of its citizens through economic, social, and political reforms.

Onywere firmly believes that GIS applications have a significant role to play in achieving these goals, spanning environmental management, land reform, agriculture, urban planning, and infrastructure development. The newly acquired GIS skills of Kenyatta University students align perfectly with these areas of study, poised to contribute to the government’s vision for a brighter future.

This story was first published by Jim Baumann. Read full story here

Real-Time Ecological Monitoring Safeguards Kenya’s Endangered Rhinos

Rachael Mutuli — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:42:23 +0000

Fatu and Najin, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, reside at Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC), living under 24-hour armed protection. Despite their massive size, their existence hangs by a thread, representing the last hope for their critically endangered species, driven to the brink of extinction by habitat loss and poaching. OPC has embarked on innovative measures to protect these iconic creatures, using cutting-edge technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

To better understand the complex dynamics of wildlife at the conservancy, OPC employs GIS technology. Data analysts utilize GIS to visualize animal movements and relationships among migratory wildlife, enhancing awareness and facilitating informed decision-making. Kennedy Muriithi, senior officer at OPC’s Innovation and Tech Lab, highlights how GIS aids in monitoring wildlife, ecosystem health, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, combatting poaching, and aiding injured wildlife.

Real-Time Monitoring

Modern environmental monitoring techniques have been integrated into OPC’s field operations. Rangers use GIS data collection tools to record wildlife observations, images, and habitat parameters, enabling real-time synchronization with an online repository and the creation of dashboards for each monitoring program. This transition has streamlined OPC’s workflow, eliminating the cumbersome process of paper-based field notes and manual data entry into spreadsheets, which often led to data inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

Alfred Kibungei, the conservation data analyst at OPC, emphasizes the improved accuracy in reporting wildlife findings with the implementation of GIS technology. The ability to collect geospatial data in real-time ensures precision and timely data delivery, improving management actions.

Ol Pajeta uses Ecological Monitoring Units dashboard to guide decision-making

One of OPC’s flagship species is the critically endangered eastern black rhino. Their numbers have steadily risen at OPC, thanks to conservation efforts and successful breeding programs. OPC employs rhino protection squads and veterinary experts to ensure the well-being of these animals. Additionally, they monitor other endangered species such as elephants, wild dogs, cheetahs, Grevy’s zebras, and Jackson’s hartebeest. Dashboards support 10 key conservation programs, including monitoring pasture conditions, rainfall, and wildlife mortality.

Harnessing technology to care for endangered wildlife

To protect the Jackson’s hartebeest, which is on the decline due to predation by lions, OPC conducts regular monitoring to study population dynamics and habitat utilization. The data-driven maps reveal critical information about the interactions between hartebeest and lions, allowing the conservancy to implement strategies to support hartebeest populations.

The mother and daughter duo Fatu and Najin offer the last hope for the continuation of the northern white rhino. (Image courtesy Ol Pejeta Conservancy)

Conserving the environment

OPC relies on tourism and agriculture for revenue, aiming to strike a balance between conservation and sustainable land use. The ecological monitoring team assesses pastures quarterly using GIS apps to optimize grazing practices for wildlife and cattle. To mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, OPC records incidents and uses GIS to identify hotspots, enabling faster response times and efficient conflict management.

The basemap of Ol Pejeta Conservancy marks important details about infrastructure and wildlife. It includes the location of tourist camps, fencing, gates, and solar power stations. It also serves to track patrols and monitor any gaps in fencing. (Screenshot courtesy Ol Pejeta Conservancy)

As human populations expand and habitats shrink due to climate change and development, OPC’s ecological monitoring work has become increasingly crucial. The organization strives to maintain the integrity of habitats, ensure the health of wildlife, and minimize human impacts while protecting endangered species like Fatu, Najin, and the eastern black rhino.

This story was first published by David Gadsden. Read full story here