Italian Ambassador Roberto Natali visits Kenya Space Agency

The Italian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Roberto Natali has paid a courtesy call to the Kenya Space Agency (KSA). The visit, which took place at the KSA headquarters, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Kenya and Italy in space exploration and technology, as well as the shared commitment to leveraging space for sustainable development.

Ambassador Natali was warmly received by Maj Gen (Rtd) Amb. Joff Otieno, Chair of the KSA Board, and Brig Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of the Kenya Space Agency. The meeting provided an opportunity to review key milestones in the partnership between KSA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), as well as to explore future opportunities for collaboration.

The discussions between the Kenyan and Italian delegations focused on the successful implementation of joint initiatives, including short professional training courses for Kenyan space professionals. These programs have played a critical role in building local capacity and expertise in space technology, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in the field.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the progress made in establishing Earth Observation (EO) and CubeSat Development Centres in Kenya. These centers, supported by Italian expertise and technology, are expected to drive innovation and research, enabling Kenya to harness the power of space data for decision-making and sustainable development.

“The establishment of the Earth Observation and CubeSat Development Centres marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Italy,” said Brig Hillary Kipkosgey. “These facilities will not only enhance our capacity to utilize EO data for critical applications but also enable us to develop nanosatellites tailored to Kenya’s unique needs.”

Kenya and Italy share a long history of cooperation in space technology, rooted in a mutual commitment to leveraging space for socio-economic development. The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and their shared vision for the future of space exploration.

Ambassador Natali emphasized Italy’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s space ambitions, stating, “Italy is proud to partner with Kenya in advancing space technology and innovation. Our collaboration is a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and unlocking new opportunities for development.”

Maj Gen (Rtd) Amb. Joff Otieno also highlighted the transformative potential of space technology. “Space is no longer a frontier for a select few; it is a tool for development that can benefit all humanity. Through our partnership with Italy, we are building the capacity and infrastructure needed to harness the power of space for Kenya’s sustainable development.”

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye