PROGRESS ON KSA–EXPERTISE FRANCE COLLABORATION: EARTH OBSERVATION (EO) INNOVATION LABS INITIATIVE

Six months since the signing of the Cooperation Framework between the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and Expertise France (EF), significant progress has been made in the implementation of joint initiatives designed to foster collaboration within Kenya’s growing space sector. These efforts aim to catalyze innovation and co-create solutions using Earth Observation (EO) data to address pressing societal challenges in agriculture, health, disaster resilience, spatial planning, and other critical sectors.

While Expertise France is implementing the AU–EU Data Governance in Africa Initiative with the goal of enhancing access to spatial data, building Earth Observation (EO) capacity, and fostering innovation and the co-creation of EO-driven solutions. Kenya Space Agency (KSA) is establishing research centres of excellence in universities aimed at promoting innovation within the national space ecosystem. The EO Innovation Labs Initiative in Kenya represents a convergence of shared objectives aspirations between KSA and EF, providing a strategic platform to deploy EO technologies in support of national development goals and regional resilience.

Significant progress has been made in the establishment of the EO Innovation Labs. Following a call for expressions of interest to host the inaugural EO Innovation Lab, a competitive selection process was launched, attracting 18 applicant institutions from across the country. After a rigorous review, four universities were shortlisted for further assessment: Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Maseno University, University of Nairobi, and Taita Taveta University. Through rigorous on-site evaluations based on clear assessment criteria including institutional governance, sustainability and technical capacity the University of Nairobi robi and Taita Taveta University were selected as hosts of the inaugural EO Innovation Labs.

Both institutions are now in the process of developing detailed work packages focused on thematic areas such as agriculture, health, disaster management, and spatial planning. These packages will guide the full-scale operationalization of the labs, which are envisioned to serve as dynamic hubs for applied research, innovation, and capacity development in EO technologies. Project teams drawn from multiple institutions will collaborate within these labs to develop scalable solutions aligned with Kenya’s and the region’s development priorities.

The initial rollout will serve as a proof of concept, running for one year. Based on its success, it is envisioned that similar labs will be replicated across other institutions of higher learning nationally, supporting broader access to EO data and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the space sector.

KSA remains deeply committed to nurturing the Kenyan space innovation ecosystem through partnerships with academia, the private sector, government agencies, and development partners. The ongoing collaboration with Expertise France exemplifies KSA’s mission to foster international linkages that support capacity building, technology transfer, and sustainable space sector growth in Kenya.