The Kenyan government has initiated a student exchange programme with Japan for Kenyan students specializing in space training. This is after a series of meetings and discussions between Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, the Acting Director-General for KSA, and the representatives from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, on the possible areas of partnership.
On Friday, Brigadier Kipkosgey met with Professors Kyosuke Yamamoto and Toshihiro Kameda from the University of Tsukuba to discuss exploration on possibilities for collaboration toward Kenya building its satellites and small rockets. According to KSA, this move is aimed at fostering knowledge transfer and capacity-building between Kenya and Japan on space science and technology.
Besides the establishment of a student exchange program, the Kenyan government is also eyeing this cooperation to develop the use of satellite technology in disaster management. The Kenyan delegation announced a possible cooperation following positive discussions with Global Water Sustainability Initiative, GEOGloWS, representatives. “The application of GEOGLOWS Streamflow Services for flood forecasting was one of the key topics and provided concrete examples of how space technology can be used in the context of disaster preparedness and risk reduction in Kenya,” KSA said.
GEOGLoWS called on Kenya to exploit space technology in earth observation and forecasting. The initiative jumps into the announcement of President William Ruto in December 2023 regarding the government’s commitment to advancing space technology through supportive policy.
The President stated that it was also a step that would boost Kenya’s international status. Kenya, as the President stated, was set to develop the level of space technology through financing and partnering with investors from the US. Ruto furthered the subject of scaling the Konza Technopolis as a hub for the growth of space technologies within the state.