The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and Expertise France have formalized a strategic partnership to advance space innovation, enhance Earth Observation (EO) capabilities, and build institutional capacity in Kenya.
This collaboration was marked by the signing of a landmark agreement between KSA Director General Brig. Hillary Kipkosgei and Expertise France’s Director General, Jeremy Pellet, during a high-level meeting in Nairobi.
- Capacity Building
Programs aimed at strengthening human resources and institutional frameworks, including light infrastructure projects to foster space-related research and development. - Earth Observation Data Labs
Establishing an EO Data Lab under the “Data Governance in Africa” initiative, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and five EU member states. This lab will facilitate access to EO data, build capacity among universities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and private stakeholders, and enable the creation of data-driven solutions to address socio-economic challenges. - Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Development
Supporting Kenya’s burgeoning space innovation ecosystem by empowering startups to leverage advanced technologies for economic growth and technological advancements.
The EO Data Lab will focus on leveraging space-based technologies to support Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will promote innovation by enabling local stakeholders to develop EO-based applications and services tailored to sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
Expertise France’s Director General, Jeremy Pellet, highlighted the agency’s commitment to fostering impactful outcomes through partnerships and collaboration. Brig.
Kipkosgei emphasized Kenya’s readiness to engage in strategic partnerships that drive space innovation and contribute to Africa’s broader development agenda.
This initiative is part of the broader “Data Governance in Africa” program, supported by the African Union and the Team Europe Initiative. It brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including academia, government, and the private sector, to create a vibrant ecosystem for space technology and innovation in Kenya.
The Expertise France delegation included key figures such as Mathieu Loubet (Regional Lead), Anthea Manasseh (Deputy Director, AFD), and Byron Anangwe (Project Liaison).
Representing KSA were Jacques Matara (Acting Deputy Director, Space Research and Innovation) and Maj. Kenneth Kanda (Acting Deputy Director, ICT).