Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has today accompanied the visiting President of the Republic of Italy His Excellency Sergio Mattarella for a working visit at the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi.
The visiting Head of State who was accompanied by the First lady, Her Excellency Laura Mattarella visited the Centre to familiarize themselves with the operations of the facility operated jointly by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
President Mattarella appreciated the work of the two Space Agencies for their synergy saying this is a testament to the strong ties and partnership that Kenya and Italy enjoy.
He underscored that the two nations have a strong desire for peace and can achieve more if they work in collaboration.
The CS noted that the facility is a special diplomatic and strategic centre and that Kenya intends to leverage human capacity building to achieve her aspirations as an emerging space fairing nation.
He lauded the establishment of the International Centre for Space Education domiciled at the facility mandated to train engineers and other professionals in ground station and space operations.
“We hope the training will also extend to other competencies including the development of applications of earth observation,” said the CS.
The Board Chairperson of KSA Major General (Rtd) James Aruasa affirmed that the visit by the Italian President gives the Agency great hope and encouragement that the good relations between KSA and ASI shall accelerate and deepen their cooperation.
The CS was accompanied by the Director of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI) Major General Bernard Waliaula , KSA Director General Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mungaro, Italian Ambassador to Kenya H.E Roberto Natali among other dignitaries.
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