The government has extended its digital land administration system to 17 regions in a move aimed at reducing delays, cutting bureaucracy and making it easier for citizens to obtain land title deeds.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development says improvements to the e-Ardhi system are part of broader efforts to streamline land ownership procedures and improve access to services that have often involved lengthy processes for applicants.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engineer Anthony Sanga, said the digital platform had helped reduce the difficulties citizens previously encountered when processing title deeds.
Speaking to editors of various media organisations at his office on October 29, 2026, Eng Sanga said the ministry was continuing to improve its systems to make land administration more efficient and accessible.
“We have continued to improve land ownership processes, particularly by ensuring that citizens receive their title deeds. We have also improved the e-Ardhi system to enhance efficiency in delivering quality services to the public,” he said.
The expansion to 17 regions marks progress in the ministry's digitalisation agenda, although extending the system's benefits to more citizens will depend on its effective implementation and accessibility.
Faster processing of title deeds is particularly important for landowners seeking formal recognition of their property rights, as ownership documents provide legal security and can facilitate property transactions and access to financing.
Eng Sanga said improvements in service delivery were also being supported by increased staffing, better office infrastructure and additional working equipment, including vehicles.
He attributed the measures to the government's efforts under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen the ministry's capacity to fulfil its responsibilities.
The additional resources, he said, had improved the working environment for ministry officials and enhanced their ability to serve citizens.
However, the ministry's performance will ultimately be measured by how quickly and efficiently citizens can complete land transactions, obtain title deeds and resolve administrative challenges.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Lands Nathaniel Mathew Nhonge said the ministry's principal responsibilities included land-use planning, surveying and granting land ownership rights.
He said the ministry was also responsible for overseeing property valuation, particularly in determining compensation for people whose land and properties are acquired by the government for public projects.
The valuation function is significant as delays or disputes over compensation can affect households and communities whose properties are required for infrastructure and other development projects.
The ministry's ongoing reforms therefore cover two important aspects of land administration: improving access to ownership documents and ensuring proper valuation of properties affected by public projects.
As digital services expand, the challenge will be to ensure that the improvements translate into shorter processing times, greater transparency and more reliable land services for citizens across the country.