Twenty-four KSA participants are enrolled in a 26-day training programme that combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises and guided on-the-job mentorship.

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, ASI), has inaugurated a capacity-building programme for the Regional Centre for Earth Observation (CREO) at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC) in Ngomeni, Kilifi County, according to a report by Space in Africa.

The launch ceremony, led by Dr Eng. Jajah Munzer, CEO of the LBMSC, and Col. Robert Oktoi, Deputy CEO, marked a key milestone in strengthening Kenya’s capability in Earth observation and satellite data management. The initiative underscores the growing partnership between Kenya and Italy in advancing the country’s space technology and research infrastructure.

Running from October 29 to December 5, the programme provides intensive hands-on training to KSA engineers and operators, enabling them to effectively operate, maintain, and support all ground components of the CREO system throughout its operational life. Beyond technical proficiency, the initiative also aims to build an independent scientific and operational community in Earth observation—enhancing local expertise, promoting innovation, and driving Kenya’s technological self-sufficiency.

At the heart of the CREO system is a high-performance image acquisition and download capability covering Kenya’s territory, reinforcing the nation’s access to real-time satellite data. Integrated through the Ease Ground Platform, the system combines key infrastructure and services to ensure seamless data accessibility and analysis.

A total of 24 KSA participants are enrolled in the 26-day programme, which blends theoretical instruction, practical exercises and supervised on-the-job training. The course is structured in three stages: primary training on CREO system architecture and data sources; advanced training on operational validation; and mentorship-based on-the-job sessions guided by technical experts.

The programme represents a major advancement in Kenya’s space development journey, empowering KSA to fully operate and manage the newly established Regional Earth Observation Centre with operational nodes in both Malindi and Nairobi.