The Commission, supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a training session for its senior management staff on the use of ArcGIS Mapping Software in delivering its mandate with technical backing from ESRI East African, which is a global leader in geospatial solutions.

ESRI East Africa had earlier trained the technical officers on the new technology and assisted the Commission to develop and customize some of its applications in line with its activities.

The Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan H. Marjan, who opened the two-day training session, said it was important to bring on board the senior management staff to get apprised on the technology, showcase the customized applications and demonstrate how it can be utilized to promote efficiency.

“I thank the UNDP and ESRI for their support to enable the Commission build capacity on the new technology. This training will help us plan strategically in accordance with the law. It will also enable the Commission to build on its knowledge base,” said Marjan.

“The managers here act as the gatekeepers and with this knowledge they will be able to work well with the officers to implement it. With that I ask all to be focused and gain as much knowledge as possible,” added Marjan.

The ArcGIS mapping Software training can be used throughout the electoral cycle in implementing the activities and programmes the Commission undertakes in elections management and boundaries delimitation.

“Once incorporated, the Commission will be able to use the software to monitor its election operations such as voter registration and polling day activities and respond to challenges in real time,” said Everton Namasake of ESRI Eastern Africa.

The CS/CEO also had a meeting with Samuel Kimani, the ESRI Eastern Africa CEO and expressed the Commission’s desire to collaborate with the company to utilize its experience and knowledge in geospatial solutions.