Kenya Marks Major Space Milestone With Italian-Backed Capacity-Building Programme At Malindi Centre

Kenya, 31 October 2025 - The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana – ASI), has launched an intensive capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capabilities in satellite data management and Earth observation.

The training, held at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC) in Ngomeni, Kilifi County, officially began this week, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s growing space journey.

According to Space in Africa, the launch ceremony was presided over by Dr. Eng. Jajah Munzer, CEO of LBMSC, and Col. Robert Oktoi, Deputy CEO, who both highlighted the importance of the collaboration in advancing Kenya’s technological self-reliance and research infrastructure.

The initiative underscores the deepening space partnership between Kenya and Italy, which has evolved over decades of scientific cooperation.

Running from 29 October 2025 to 5 December 2025, the 26-day programme offers a rigorous blend of classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and guided on-the-job mentorship.

A total of 24 KSA engineers and operators are participating in the training, which is designed to equip them with the technical expertise needed to operate, maintain, and support all ground components of the Regional Centre for Earth Observation (CREO) system.

The course is structured in three progressive phases: foundational lessons on the CREO system architecture and data sources, advanced modules on operational validation, and mentorship-driven field sessions under the guidance of seasoned technical experts.

This multi-layered approach ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency in real-world satellite operations.

At the core of the CREO system lies a high-performance image acquisition and download capability that provides comprehensive coverage of Kenya’s territory.

Integrated with the Ease Ground Platform, it enhances the nation’s ability to access, process, and analyze real-time satellite data for applications in environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, and urban planning.

Beyond technical training, the programme also aims to cultivate an independent scientific and operational community in Earth observation.

By fostering innovation and building local expertise, it contributes to Kenya’s long-term goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency in space science and data utilisation.

The initiative represents a major step forward for KSA, positioning the agency to independently operate and manage the newly established Regional Earth Observation Centre, with operational hubs in both Malindi and Nairobi, solidifying Kenya’s role as a key player in Africa’s rapidly evolving space ecosystem.