NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with the British High Commission in Kenya, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) and Viffa Consult, has convened key geospatial and space data institutions to advance the development of a Kenyan Earth Observation (EO) Data Sharing Framework.
The high-level engagement brought together representatives from major public institutions and sector stakeholders, including the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
Others include Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), the Council of Governors (COG), Konza Technopolis, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), ICT Authority, and Women in Space Kenya.
Strengthening Data Collaboration
The meeting aimed to identify areas of collaboration and chart clear implementation pathways and governance structures for a coordinated geospatial data sharing framework.
The proposed system seeks to improve access, interoperability, and responsible use of Earth Observation data across government agencies, the private sector, academia, and regional and international partners.
Speaking during the engagement, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, emphasised the growing need for structured data-sharing systems to unlock the full value of EO data in supporting national development priorities.
He noted that Earth Observation data plays a critical role in climate monitoring, agriculture planning, urban development, disaster response, and environmental conservation — sectors that increasingly rely on timely and accurate geospatial intelligence.
KENYAN EARTH OBSERVATION (EO) DATA SHARING FRAMEWORKThe Kenya Space Agency(KSA), in partnership with the British High Commission in Kenya, Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), and Viffa Consult, convened key geospatial and space data institutions. These
Untapped Data Potential
Director General of KNBS Dr. Macdonald George Obudho underscored the importance of institutional collaboration, highlighting what he described as the untapped potential within existing datasets.
He said better coordination and structured data exchange could significantly enhance evidence-based policymaking and national planning, particularly as Kenya advances its digital transformation agenda.
A Step Toward a Coordinated Ecosystem
Stakeholders agreed that a harmonised framework would reduce duplication of efforts, strengthen data governance, and ensure that Earth Observation resources are efficiently leveraged for socio-economic growth.
The engagement marked an important milestone in strengthening Kenya’s geospatial data ecosystem, positioning the country to harness space-based technologies more effectively in pursuit of sustainable development goals.
The Kenya Space Agency has in recent years expanded its footprint in regional and international collaborations, reinforcing Kenya’s ambition to become a leading space and geospatial innovation hub in Africa.
