Kenya and Italy Strengthen Space Partnership with the Launch of Regional EO Centre Training
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), has officially launched a capacity-building programme for the Regional Centre for Earth Observation (CREO) at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC) in Ngomeni, Kilifi County.
The ceremony, presided over by Dr Eng. Jajah Munzer, CEO of LBMSC, and Col Robert Oktoi, Deputy CEO, mark a pivotal moment in advancing Kenya’s capacity in Earth observation data management.
Building Local Expertise Through Intensive Training
The partnership entails hands-on training to KSA engineers and operators, running from October 29 to December 5, equipping them with technical expertise to operate, maintain, and support all ground components of the CREO system throughout its operational lifespan. Beyond technical training, the programme seeks to cultivate an autonomous scientific and operational community in Earth observation, enhancing local capacity, fostering innovation, and advancing Kenya’s technological self-reliance.
A key pillar of the CREO system is its high-performance image acquisition and download capability covering Kenyan territory, reinforcing the nation’s self-reliance in satellite data. The system integrates foundational infrastructure and related services that facilitate seamless access to Earth observation data through the Ease Ground Platform.
Structured Three-Phase Training Programme
Twenty-four KSA participants are undertaking an intensive 26-day training programme comprising theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and on-the-job mentorship, structured in three phases:
- Primary Training covering CREO system architecture, design documentation, and data sources.
- Advanced Training focusing on practical system operations and Site Operational Validation.
- On-the-Job Training, providing applied mentorship under expert supervision
This training represents a significant milestone in strengthening KSA’s capacity to operate and manage the newly established Regional Earth Observation Centre, with fully operational nodes in both Malindi and Nairobi.
Deepening Kenya-Italy Space Cooperation
The initiative is rooted in the Kenya-Italy Bilateral Agreement on LBMSC management, which prioritises the establishment of the Centre and ensuring accessible scientific and Earth observation data. The LBMSC, a jointly-run facility that served as Africa’s first spaceport from 1967, has been repurposed in recent years for Earth observation satellite operations, making it an ideal location for this new training centre.
This mutual partnership continues to yield benefits for both nations. Through its enduring collaboration with ASI, KSA continues to build human and technical capacity, advancing both upstream and downstream capabilities within Kenya’s space ecosystem.
Following the March 2025 renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Kenyan personnel at the Luigi Broglio Space Centre, Italy’s commitment to workforce development at the facility is further solidified, underscoring the long-term vision of this partnership to cultivate local expertise and sustainable space operations.