Enhancing The Utilization of Earth Observation Data in Urban Planning

In this age of rapid urbanization, harnessing the power of data has become imperative for effective urban planning and sustainable development. Facilitated by advancements in space technology, Earth observation data has emerged as a critical tool in this endeavor. The Kenya Space Agency convened a round table meeting at their offices on Thursday 14th December 2023 to discuss the role of data, particularly Earth observation data, in shaping urban landscapes, focusing on its utilization, having national legislation, capacity building, and the varied interventions of different stakeholders in tackling the urban planning quagmire.

The meeting sought to familiarize the participants with the previous and on-going projects such as Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) and Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP), both supported by the World Bank and implemented with support from Government Agencies as well as explore other projects in the East Africa region that were leveraging on the use of emerging data and technologies, such as Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence, for mapping human settlements.
The round table meeting which was chaired by the Acting Director General of KSA, Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, was attended by representatives from World Bank, State Department of Housing and Urban Development, State Department of Lands and Physical Planning, Council of Governors and Spatial Collective Limited, a Nairobi-based geospatial innovation and technology consulting company involved in the KISIP project.

Earth observation data is becoming a game-changer in the realm of urban planning, offering a holistic and data-driven approach to sustainable development. There continues to be an urgent need to invest in capacity building, enacting facilitative legislation and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The role of space agencies and related Earth Observation Agencies is becoming increasingly vital, especially for developing countries, in promoting the uptake of these new datasets in decision support. Through these concerted efforts and working with stakeholders, this will pave the way for smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities that cater to the needs of present and future generations.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to consolidate on-going projects and initiatives from the different stakeholders involved in Urban planning. The meeting also agreed on the need to convene a workshop for the stakeholders that would be held early 2024