𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A Catalyst for Regional EO Leadership

Kenya is positioning itself as a continental leader in Earth Observation (EO) through the development of the Regional Centre for Earth Observation (CREO). Led by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), CREO is strategically designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to acquire, process, and apply satellite data for decision-making across essential sectors. This initiative also revitalises the historic Malindi Space Centre, aligning with broader Italy–Kenya cooperation in EO and scientific capacity-building.

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭
The CREO system, with fully installed and operational nodes in Malindi and Nairobi, provides a high-performance image acquisition and download system covering the territory of Kenya. It integrates a foundational infrastructure and related services that facilitate access to EO data through the commercial EASE ground platform.

CREO’s capabilities could have a significant impact: enhanced agricultural monitoring, stronger climate resilience, improved disaster management, smarter urban planning, and precise resource mapping. By enabling autonomous access to high-resolution satellite data, Kenya can accelerate the adoption of EO solutions that support development priorities.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
KSA is complementing this investment with ecosystem-building initiatives such as the Communities of Practice and the Africa Earth Observation Challenge. These encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and stronger private-sector participation—critical ingredients for a thriving, sustainable space economy.

This momentum connects seamlessly with the upcoming Kenya Space Innovation & Investment Forum (KSIIF) 2025 (9–10 December 2025), which aims to unlock the value of space technologies and attract greater investment with a focus on EO. As CREO becomes fully operational, it marks a defining moment for Kenya. The centre has the potential to transform the country into a regional EO hub and reinforce its role in Africa’s emerging space landscape.