PS DEFENCE LEADS KENYAN DELEGATION IN ROME, ITALY 

The 3rd Joint Steering Committee meeting under the Bilateral Agreement on the Management of the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC) was successfully held at the headquarters of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in Rome on 2 April 2026.

The Kenyan delegation was led by Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru. The delegation included the Chairperson of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Amb. Joff Otieno, Director General Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, and other officials from KSA.

The Kenyan team engaged with their Italian counterparts led by the Chief Executive Officer of ASI, Dr. Jahjah Munzer, representing the Agency’s President, Prof. Teodoro Valente.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring collaboration between Kenya and Italy in advancing space science, technology, and the sustainable management of the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre. The bilateral agreement continues to underpin key initiatives, including the establishment of Earth Observation Centres in Malindi and Nairobi, enhancement of education and training in space science and technology, and improved access to scientific and Earth observation data.

The Education and Training pillar of the agreement aims to nurture the next generation of space scientists and professionals. Currently, 13 Kenyan students are undertaking PhD programmes in Earth Observation under this initiative. Additionally, 15 Kenyan students will be sponsored annually to pursue postgraduate studies at Italian universities through to 2035, when the current agreement is set to expire.

Dr. Mariru expressed satisfaction with the general progress made under the agreement, noting that the collaboration continues to deliver tangible benefits in technology transfer, human capital development, and scientific advancement. He emphasized Kenya’s commitment to deepening the partnership with Italy, highlighting its strategic importance in supporting national development priorities and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in space science and applications.

This partnership remains instrumental in promoting innovation, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering mutual growth in the space sector for both countries.