By Dr Felix Mutua and Sally Lessas

In a landmark move toward modernizing urban development, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2), is set to unveil the Kenya Slum Management Information System (KeSMIS) — an AI-powered, web and mobile-based platform poised to transform how Kenya manages and upgrades slums and informal settlements.

KeSMIS will serve as a national geodatabase for slums and informal settlements, offering a centralized repository and intelligent tools for data collection, visualization, and analysis. The platform promises to revolutionize evidence-based decision-making and improve living conditions for millions of urban residents.

According to the World Bank’s Kenya Urbanization Review (2017), nearly 60 percent of urban dwellers live in informal settlements — a situation exacerbated by limited housing supply and affordability. The report emphasized the need for data-driven systems like KeSMIS to catalyze inclusive urban transformation.

“Many Kenyans are unnecessarily living in slum dwellings because of limited supply and lack of affordability. Systems such as KeSMIS will contribute significantly to improving millions of lives,” the report noted.

KeSMIS integrates artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial analytics, and intuitive user interfaces to address long-standing challenges in urban planning — from land tenure regularization to infrastructure upgrading. The system fosters sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking urban development.

“KeSMIS is more than a database; it’s a beacon of hope for millions living in dignity-challenged conditions,” says George Arwa, KISIP2 National Project Coordinator, during a recent Joint Implementation Mission in Nairobi.
“The platform equips teams with real-time insights to rally efforts, achieve our vision, and ensure equitable access to services — transforming informal settlements into thriving neighbourhoods.”

From mobile field agents collecting on-the-ground data to policymakers running complex analytics, the platform supports a complete data lifecycle while prioritizing security, accessibility, and offline functionality.

“KeSMIS is a key tool for improving access to basic services and tenure security,” said Beatriz Eraso Puig, KISIP2 Task Team Leader at the World Bank. “It provides digital mapping capabilities that enable title deed issuance and enhance service delivery.”

According to Cornel Akatch, Head of Institutional Capacity Development for Slum Upgrading at KISIP2, the system is central to the project’s institutional strengthening agenda.

“KeSMIS bridges the gap between data and action,” Akach explained.
“It empowers counties to prevent new slums from emerging while upgrading existing ones, in line with the National Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy.”

Felix is a GIS Consultant for KISIP2 while Sally is a Planner at the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and KISIP2