The Government of Kenya aspires to utilize space technology and space-derived data for national development as well as benefit from the process of development of indigenous space technology and applications. Space science and technology provides the foundational knowledge and skills to explore and exploit outer space as a natural resource and heritage for mankind. Due to the existence of multi-sectored initiatives in the Space ecosystem, there is urgent need to consolidate all these efforts in order to create synergies across initiatives and institutions. In 2014/2015, the stakeholders in the Space Sector held numerous discussions to explore and determine pathways to guide the growth of a vibrant indigenous space industry. The outcomes of their deliberations was the Kenya Space Policy 2015, Kenya Space Strategy 2015 and the proposed establishment of the Kenya Space Agency. The documents were validated by stakeholders during the Validation Workshop for National Space Policy, Strategy and KSA Order paper on 22nd June, 2015.
The Third Medium Term Plan 2018 – 2022 (MTP III) for Vision 2030 outlines the main policies, legal and institutional reforms as well as programmes and projects that the Government plans to implement during the period 2018-2022. It builds on the achievements of the first and second MTPs. It prioritizes implementation of the “Big Four” initiatives. Increasing the manufacturing share of GDP from 9.2% to 15 % and agroprocessing to at least 50 % of total agricultural output; Providing affordable housing by building 500,000 affordable houses in five years across the country; Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) through construction of large-scale multi-purpose and smaller dams for irrigation projects, construction of food storage facilities and implementation of high impact nutritional interventions and other FNS initiatives; and Achieving 100% universal health coverage. The MTP III flagship projects under the Space Science and Technology Development - Programme in the Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Sector include: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the Centre for Microsatellite Development and the Optical Astronomical Observatory. These have experience challenges in implementation due to limited resources and concerted efforts within the space sector. Going forward the stakeholders in the space sector need to plan collectively for MTP IV to anchor relevant projects, program and initiative intended to nurture and growth our indigenous space sector. Since its establishment on 24th February, 2018, the Kenya Space Agency, has engaged various stakeholders in different events to understand the needs of the stakeholders.
Access the full report on the outcomes of the deliberation on “The Space Sector We Want In Kenya: A Conversation” below
