Kenya has taken a major step toward becoming a regional leader in space data governance with the establishment of the National Earth Observation Data Council (NEODC), a new body tasked with coordinating the use and sharing of earth observation data across sectors.
The council was formally created following the adoption of the Malindi Declaration by key stakeholders, marking what officials described as a “landmark step” in leveraging satellite and geospatial data for sustainable development.
Chaired by the Kenya Space Agency, the NEODC will oversee the implementation of Kenya’s Earth Observation Data Sharing Framework 2026, as well as the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) Country Action Plan. The initiative is designed to strengthen data governance while promoting innovation and safeguarding national sovereignty.
“This framework reflects a strong commitment to governance that enables innovation while safeguarding sovereignty,” said Dr. Jacquiline Owigo, speaking on behalf of the British High Commissioner. “It positions Kenya to harness space data in ways that drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and deliver tangible benefits for citizens.”
The council aligns with key national policies, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and is expected to play a central role in integrating Earth observation data into decision-making across government, industry, and academia.
Acting Director-General of the Kenya Space Agency, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, emphasized the importance of moving from policy to action.
“We must now focus on implementation,” he said, thanking stakeholders for their role in developing the framework and reaffirming the agency’s commitment to collaboration. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s space ecosystem and expanding access to data.
The NEODC brings together a broad coalition of institutions, including the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Survey of Kenya, National Land Commission, and the Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, alongside representatives from county governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Its mandate includes promoting data-sharing standards, advancing innovation through FAIR principles—ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—and supporting the development of critical Earth observation data systems.
Other stakeholders also pledged support for the initiative, including Eric Nyadimo President Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, Husna Mbarak Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations -FAO Jacinta Gitau Deputy Director-Land Administration and Management-National Land Commission and Dr. Charles Situma Director at Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing.
The declaration positions Kenya as an emerging hub for Earth observation innovation in Africa, with strong backing from international partners including the United Kingdom and collaboration with institutions such as the European Space Agency.
Officials say the new council will not only enhance coordination and trust in geospatial data but also unlock opportunities in agriculture, climate resilience, urban planning, and national security—sectors increasingly reliant on accurate, timely data from space.
With the Malindi Declaration now in force, attention turns to implementation, as Kenya seeks to translate its ambitious data vision into tangible impact for its citizens.
