Title: Establishing a space sector for sustainable development in Kenya

Authors: Peter M.B. Waswa; Calestous Juma

Addresses: Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 33-208, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. ' Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

Abstract: To expeditiously address fundamental national development needs e.g., health, education, food security and natural resource management; Kenya needs to invoke space-based technologies. A vibrant domestic space sector further spawns a plethora of other space-related opportunities – congruous with the government's long-term planning strategy; Kenya Vision 2030. We specifically analyse Kenya's technological environment, and then characterize phase-by-phase technological evolution it requires to establish a space sector and become self-reliant in space technology for sustainable development. Kenya needs to build human, organisational and societal capacity through ‘leapfrogging’ technology transfer mechanisms. Mastering satellite engineering, earth observation and acquiring launch capability constitute the priority areas.

Keywords: Kenya; space technology; Vision 2030; sustainable development; absorption capacity; technology transfer; capability hierarchy; leapfrogging; developing countries; scientific development; sustainability; satellite engineering; earth observation; launch capability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2012.045292

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2012 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.152 - 169

Received: 02 Sep 2009
Accepted: 12 Nov 2010
Published online: 31 Oct 2014 *

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