Establishing a space sector for sustainable development in Kenya

Abstract

To expeditiously address fundamental national development needs e.g., health, education, food security and natural resource management; Kenya needs to invoke space-based technologies. A vibrant domestic space sector further spawns a plethora of other space-related opportunities – congruous with the government’s long-term planning strategy; Kenya Vision 2030. We specifically analyse Kenya’s technological environment, and then characterize phase-by-phase technological evolution it requires to establish a space sector and become self-reliant in space technology for sustainable development. Kenya needs to build human, organisational and societal capacity through ‘leapfrogging’ technology transfer mechanisms. Mastering satellite engineering, earth observation and acquiring launch capability constitute the priority areas.