Application Of Web-GIS In Mapping Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) Case Study: Langata Constituency, Kenya

Abstract

This study focused on the developments of a web-based GIS portal for the Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) programme. OPCT is welfare improvement programme that is targeted toward the elderly poor with the aim of alleviating old age poverty among the beneficiaries. The programme has been under implementation in Kenya since year 2007. The overall objectives of the study was to develop a web-based GIS system that will help OPCT programme management to map the programme to enhance transparency, accountability, accessibility, and availability. The study area was Langata constituency with approximately 650 enrolled beneficiaries. Programme data was acquired from the Programmes Office at the Department of Gender in the former Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development. Data pro.vided was mainly programme attribute data that included; Beneficiaries Enrolment data, No. of Beneficiaries by County and OPCT Payment Points. This data was mainly used to establish the format of the data collected and maintained by the programme. Geographic point data for beneficiaries and pay points was generated using Google Maps and an Intemetbased geocoding tool. County boundaries data was extracted from shapefiles obtained from secondary sources. The datasets were imported on to Google Fusion Tables for analysis and visualisation. HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) were used to create a Front-end User Interface. Google Maps JavaScript Application Programming Interface (API) was used to embed maps visualised in Fusion Tables on to the web pages. The final output was a web-based GIS portal that displayed layers of OPCT data inform of interactive maps that had added functionality such as pan, zoom and query. The finding of this study was that GIS is a viable proposition for the OPCT programme. The geographic dimension would add value in planning and decision making. The current trend in Information and Communication Technology is more towards Web technology. Web-based GIS therefore becomes a suitable option for analysis, presentation and dissemination of programme information due to ubiquitous access and low cost of ownership of internet-based solutions.