The Kisumu government on Wednesday launched the e-construction permit system making it the third county after Nairobi and Mombasa to embrace the technology.
The automated system will help reduce the time needed to review and approve building proposals.
It automates the construction permit application in an entirely paperless manner and eliminates physical documents.
“The automation of construction permits marks a key milestone in our efforts to ease the cost of doing business in Kisumu County. Construction is a key sector of our economy and that is why we have prioritised the implementation of the e-construction,” said Governor Jack Ranguma during the launch.
The governor added that the move to establish the e-construction permit system not only re-affirms the commitment of the county government to reduce the cost of doing business but also to help improve service delivery.
“The construction permit process will increase our efficiency, transparency and service delivery in the County,” said Ranguma.
The programme leader for the Horn of Africa Initiative, World Bank Fred Zake said the e-construction permit is one of the ways in which the county government can support businesses to conduct their operations more simpler and in turn it enable them to save time and money hence growth.
“One of our main goals is to ensure that we invest heavily on technology to help boost the economy of Kisumu County,” added Ranguma.
The governor also indicated that the system will streamline and make the process of reviewing submissions open and efficient because applicants will be able to track the status of their applications.
The new technology is part of a cooperation agreement signed between the County Government of Kisumu and the World Bank Group through the Kenya Investment Climate Program 2 (KICP 2) in March 2014.