During the Living Planet Symposium held in Vienna, Austria, the Director General of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, formally signed the Space for Climate Observatory (SCO) Charter. This milestone brings Kenya into a global partnership dedicated to harnessing space-based technologies and data to better understand and combat the impacts of climate change.
The SCO initiative unites space agencies, research institutions, and organisations worldwide to share Earth observation data, scientific knowledge, and best practices in climate monitoring. Kenya’s accession was made possible through collaboration with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and support from Expertise France under the Data Governance in Africa programme, an initiative funded by the European Union and several European nations in partnership with the African Union Commission.
By joining the SCO network, KSA will gain access to advanced technologies, resources, and expertise that will enhance the ability of Kenyan institutions to track and analyse climate-related trends both nationally and across the region. This collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen climate resilience efforts by providing policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders with critical data for informed decision-making and sustainable development.
The partnership also emphasises capacity building, with dedicated training and knowledge transfer initiatives designed to develop the skills of Kenyan professionals in Earth observation, data analysis, and climate research. Moreover, Kenya’s involvement will contribute to broader regional cooperation, enabling the country to share expertise with other African nations working to address climate challenges.
Brig. Kipkosgey said: “We are thrilled to join the Space Climate Observatory network, which will enable us to harness the power of space-based data and technologies to address the pressing challenges of climate change in Kenya and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with CNES, Expertise France, and other SCO members to enhance our capacity and contribute to a more climate-resilient future.”
The SCO’s global mission reflects a growing recognition that tackling climate change requires both international cooperation and the transformative power of space technology. Kenya’s participation marks a significant step in advancing scientific capabilities and collaborative action for the continent.
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