The facility will provide access to satellite imagery, geospatial data and technical tools that can help the county monitor land use, map natural resources

Kenya Space Agency Director General Maj. Gen. Hillary Kipkosgey (left) and Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime unveil a plaque during the opening of the Earth Observation Innovation Laboratory at Taita Taveta University in Voi./KNA

Taita Taveta County is set to harness satellite technology to improve development planning, agricultural productivity, mineral resource management and revenue collection following the launch of an Earth Observation Innovation Laboratory at Taita Taveta University in Voi.

Governor Andrew Mwadime said the technology would strengthen the county’s ability to identify and manage its natural resources, improve agricultural planning and address development challenges using reliable data.

He said satellite imagery would help identify mineral-rich areas, map mining activities and guide land allocation, potentially improving resource management and supporting more informed decisions in the mining sector.

“In agriculture, it will support crop mapping, yield prediction and early warning systems to improve planning and farmers’ support,” said Mwadime.

The technology is also expected to support property mapping, urban planning, road infrastructure development and waste management, while providing data to improve property valuation and revenue collection.

By analysing satellite images over time, government agencies can monitor changes in land use, settlement patterns, vegetation and infrastructure, helping them identify emerging needs and direct resources more effectively.

“The laboratory will bridge gaps in infrastructure and technical capacity needed to process and analyse satellite data,” said Kipkosgey.

The facility is designed to bring together researchers, students, government institutions, innovators and other stakeholders to develop solutions using Earth observation technology, including applications in agriculture, climate resilience, natural resource management and urban development.

Beyond providing access to satellite data, it will support technical training, research, innovation and the development of geospatial applications that respond to local and national development needs.

Taita Taveta University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. Kiptanui Too, said the institution secured the opportunity to host the facility through a competitive national selection process, emerging as one of only two successful institutions out of 18 applicants.

The university is expected to play a central role in building local expertise in earth observation and supporting research and innovation through collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and other institutions.

The University of Nairobi is the other institution selected to host the country’s inaugural Earth Observation Innovation Laboratory.

The initiative is supported through the European Union-Africa Space Partnership Programme, with funding from the European Union and the French Government under the Data Governance in Africa Initiative.

The partnership seeks to expand access to geospatial data, strengthen technical capacity and promote the development of locally relevant applications of satellite technology to support sustainable development.