Gov't announces plan to expand Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 521 students at the institution on Friday, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said the expansion will enable KISM to admit and train more learners in specialised fields that support national development.

KISM, recognised as a regional leader in geoscience education across East and Central Africa, offers diploma and craft certificate courses in Land Surveying, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Cartography, and Print Technology.

CS Wahome, who was accompanied by Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, emphasised the strategic importance of KISM in developing technical skills required for the country’s economic transformation. 

She noted that the Government is committed to strengthening the institution’s capacity so that more students can benefit from its advanced training programmes.

“KISM is a leader in geoscience and a point of reference in East and Central Africa. Students here are trained using new technologies such as remote sensing,” said the CS. She added that some of the new graduates will be absorbed into government roles, while others will find opportunities in the private sector or within neighbouring countries.

To accommodate the growing number of trainees, the CS said the Government plans to construct additional hostels and is engaging the Ministry of Education to secure more funding for the institute.

PS Korir reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to enhancing KISM’s infrastructure and academic resources. He revealed that the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning will recruit more staff and transfer resource persons from other units to support the institution’s growing academic needs.

He noted that enrolment at KISM has doubled in recent years due to rising demand for geoscience training, reflecting the sector’s expanding opportunities. “You are now equipped with the skills to take up jobs in government, the private sector, and to be self-reliant,” the PS told the graduands.

KISM Director Jesse Waithaka said the institute’s curriculum is aligned with Kenya’s national development priorities. “The surveying and mapping industry is dynamic and constantly shaped by advances in technology. That is why we continuously adopt the latest tools and techniques in our training,” he said.

The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives from major institutions of higher learning in Kenya, as well as senior officials from Ardhi House.