By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya
is advancing its cooperation with Italy in space science, innovation, and
digital infrastructure following a high-level meeting between Eng. John
Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and
Digital Economy, and Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco.
The
meeting, held at the Italian Embassy in Nairobi, focused on fast-tracking
commitments made during Tanui’s recent official visit to Italy. Both sides
agreed to advance the Kenya–Infratel Partnership, with work beginning on a
Memorandum of Understanding covering national infrastructure mapping,
connectivity expansion, public Wi-Fi deployment, Smart City development, and
capacity-building initiatives.
A
key part of the discussions centred on revitalising the Luigi Broglio Malindi
Space Centre. Kenya and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to positioning the
facility as a regional hub for space research, training, and innovation through
the establishment of an Annual Africa–Italy Space Forum. Plans are also
underway to create an Africa Center for Research and Training in Malindi to
strengthen scientific collaboration across the continent.
On
digital infrastructure, Mr. Tanui confirmed the Kenyan government’s full
support for Sparkle’s Blue Raman submarine cable, a project expected to enhance
regional connectivity and create new commercial opportunities for East African
nations. The two parties also confirmed Italy’s continued backing for major
development efforts under Phase II of Konza Technopolis.
Kenya
described the partnership with Italy as central to its broader agenda of
accelerating digital transformation and fostering scientific and technological
advancement in the region.
