The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging space technology to enhance development planning and service delivery across the county.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, KSA Director General Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey paid a courtesy visit to Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich at his office in Iten, where the two leaders held discussions on how satellite-based data and earth observation technologies can support informed decision-making in critical sectors.
The collaboration will focus on key areas including spatial planning, agriculture, disaster preparedness and response, water resource management, and environmental monitoring. Through the partnership, KSA will provide high-resolution satellite imagery to support the development of detailed basemaps for the county’s spatial plan. These maps are expected to play a vital role in sustainable land use planning, efficient resource allocation, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Rotich welcomed the partnership, noting that access to accurate geospatial data would strengthen the county’s planning capacity and improve service delivery to residents.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise planning and development processes. With access to satellite imagery and spatial data, we will be able to make evidence-based decisions that promote sustainable development and resilience to climate and environmental challenges,” said the governor.
Brigadier Kipkosgey reaffirmed KSA’s commitment to expanding the use of earth observation technologies across counties and government institutions to support national development goals. He said satellite data plays a crucial role in tracking land use changes, monitoring environmental degradation, supporting agricultural productivity, and improving disaster risk management.
“Space technology is no longer a preserve of scientists and researchers alone. It is a practical tool that can help counties plan better, respond faster to disasters, and manage natural resources more sustainably. Our partnership with Elgeyo Marakwet demonstrates KSA’s commitment to bringing these capabilities closer to communities,” he said.
The meeting was attended by senior county officials, including County Executive Committee Members Hon. Thomas Maiyo (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, Urban Development and Energy), Hon. Edwin Kibor (Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation), and Hon. Jason Lagat (Water, Environment and Climate Change), who expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance coordination across departments and improve development outcomes.
Officials noted that satellite-based basemaps will help identify suitable areas for farming, settlement, infrastructure development, and conservation, while also strengthening monitoring of water resources, forests, and vulnerable ecosystems. The technology is also expected to support early warning systems for floods, landslides, and droughts, thereby improving disaster preparedness and community safety.
The partnership aligns with Kenya’s broader agenda of integrating science, technology, and innovation into governance and development planning. By harnessing space-based data, Elgeyo Marakwet County aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in the delivery of public services.
KSA reiterated its commitment to working closely with county governments, ministries, departments, and agencies to expand the utilization of earth observation technologies nationwide, ensuring that development decisions are guided by accurate, timely, and reliable data.
The collaboration between KSA and Elgeyo Marakwet County is expected to set a strong precedent for other counties seeking to integrate space technology into planning and development frameworks for improved socio-economic outcomes.
