This year’s Kenya Space Agency Expo & Conference has come to a close with calls for more resources to be allocated to sustainable space-related activities.
The three-day Expo themed ‘Space technology for societal benefits’ seeked to enhance awareness of the exploration and exploitation of space opportunities for societal benefits and national socio-economic development by showcasing successful cases of innovations.
During the opening address, Hon. Duale said that the Government of Kenya acknowledges the crucial role that the space economy can play in national development, particularly in the realization of the national development blueprint Vision 2030.
He added that space technologies and related applications support key productive sectors of national economies including communications, digital economy, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, supply chain, infrastructure, blue economy and energy.
“I am happy to note that in the spirit of intra-Africa cooperation, and as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063, Kenya is already actively pursuing collaboration initiatives on peaceful uses of outer space with partner states in the region including, but not limited to the Republic of South Africa, Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Ghana. The collaboration initiatives are targeted at developing indigenous capacity in space systems engineering and enhanced utilization of space services, technologies and applications in socio-economic development through joint projects,” Hon. Duale emphasized.
In his closing address the Chairman Board of Directors, Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Major General (Rtd) James Aruasa expressed his gratitude to sponsors and partners – local, regional, and international for their support since the establishment of the Agency with the primary responsibility of nurturing Kenya’s space sector.
“As an Agency we value international cooperation and look forward to strengthening them even more for the growth of our domestic space sector and economy. Your support went a long way in making this conference the success it is. We will continue to establish more mutually beneficial partnerships with other industry players, peer agencies and other international organizations to build capacity and grow our space ecosystem and space economy,” said the board chair.
On his part, KSA acting Director General Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey said that through the Expo, KSA hope to simplify the subject and demonstrate its utility and the benefits they can derive from investing in and leveraging on space capabilities.
“We look forward to winning over some converts not out of mere rhetoric but because the demonstrations of use cases from the deliberations and exhibitions will have borne us out and provided just a sneak preview of the endless possibilities of the utility and benefits to be derived from effective space exploration and exploitation.I believe it has been a great networking opportunity for all of us. It is my hope that the networks and partnerships we have established will endure and realise mutual benefits for the prosperity and wellbeing of our people,” added Brig. Kipkosgey.
The Kenya Space Expo and Conference 2024 aimed at among others, facilitate exchange of ideas and sharing expertise, experiences, best practices and technological advancements in the space ecosystem through discussions and networking.
The event was also graced by the CS for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Soipan Tuya, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, Lieutenant Gen.John Omenda, Commander Kenya Air Force Major General Fatuma Ahmed, KDF general officers, representatives from government, academia, industry international organisations and the general public.
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