NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has launched a new satellite-powered conservation initiative aimed at saving one of its most endangered wildlife species, the Mountain Bongo antelope.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and global Earth observation company Planet, has officially unveiled Project Centinela, a programme that will use satellite imagery to monitor forests and support the recovery of the rare antelope found only in Kenya’s highland ecosystems.
The project marks the start of activities under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between KSA and MKWC, formalising collaboration on the use of space technology for wildlife conservation.
MKWC, a non-profit organisation focused on protecting the Mount Kenya ecosystem, plays a central role in breeding and conserving the Mountain Bongo.
The antelope, once widespread in Kenya’s montane forests, is now critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and climate-related pressures.
Project Centinela seeks to bridge space-based science and on-the-ground conservation by combining high-resolution satellite data with field expertise.
Launch of Project Centinela 16 January 2026 | Mount KenyaThe Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Planet, has officially launched Project Centinela. This Project marks the start of activities under a Memorandum of
The initiative will help conservationists monitor forest habitats, protect existing bongo populations and support the safe reintroduction of bongos into their natural environment.
Under the project, KSA will work closely with Planet to access frequent, high-quality satellite imagery that can detect subtle changes in forest cover and habitat quality.
The data will support conservation planning, long-term habitat monitoring and adaptive management strategies tailored to the needs of the remaining Mountain Bongo population.
According to KSA, the project will focus on identifying and prioritising critical habitats and restoration areas essential for the species’ recovery.
It will also establish a continuous, satellite-based system to track habitat changes over time, enabling early detection of threats before they become irreversible.
Another key objective is capacity building. The initiative will strengthen the ability of conservation partners to use space technology and data analytics for evidence-based decision-making.
This includes providing early warnings on deforestation, habitat degradation and climate-related risks affecting the Mount Kenya ecosystem.
Project Centinela also reflects Kenya’s growing use of space science to address national development and environmental challenges.
By applying Earth observation technology to conservation, KSA says the project demonstrates how satellite data can support biodiversity protection and climate resilience.
“This is more than a partnership. It is a shared commitment to protect one of Earth’s critically endangered species for current and future generations,” the agency said in a statement.
KSA acknowledged the contributions of MKWC Head Dr Robert Aruho, the Planet team including Andrew Zolli, Dr Amy Rosenthal and Gerald Yegon, as well as staff from both organisations who worked to make the project a reality.
Conservationists hope Project Centinela will provide a model for how advanced technology can be harnessed to safeguard Kenya’s unique wildlife in an era of increasing environmental pressure.
