Kenya Space Agency Launches Project Centinela to Strengthen Satellite-Enabled Conservation in Mount Kenya

19 January 2026 | Nanyuki, Kenya - The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) is leading the implementation of Project Centinela, a satellite-based conservation initiative supporting advanced habitat monitoring and restoration efforts at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), with a specific focus to protect critical bongo habitats across Kenya, including Mount Kenya, Mount Aberdare, and Kakamega Forest.

The project, a collaboration with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Planet Labs, is aimed at improving conservation planning through the use of high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor forest ecosystems and bongo habitats; leverage archived satellite data to establish historical baselines and guide restoration activities; utilize current satellite imagery to assess the present status of land cover and habitat conditions; and provide a foundation for predicting future changes in land cover, thereby supporting long-term conservation planning.

The project is being implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KSA and MKWC, which provides a framework for collaborative undertakings that leverage space-based technologies for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Charles Mwangi, Ag. Director of the Kenya Space Agency emphasized the role of space science in supporting national conservation priorities.

“Project Centinela reflects the Kenya Space Agency’s mandate to apply space-based technologies to address real-world challenges. Through Earth observation data, we are supporting evidence-based environmental management and strengthening institutional capacity for biodiversity conservation. This initiative also highlights the value of public-private partnerships in leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable development,” said Mwangi.

From the conservation perspective, MKWC highlighted the direct relevance of satellite imagery to the success of the Mountain Bongo breeding and rewilding programme.

“Project Centinela is crucial for Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy because it enables the monitoring of bongo habitats with high precision through satellite imagery. This approach supports the measurement of restoration efforts and enhances our understanding of historical changes in these environments, which directly guides ongoing and future strategies for the breeding, rewilding, and long-term survival of the mountain bongo,” said Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of Conservancy at MKWC.

KSA is working in partnership with Planet Labs, a global Earth-imaging company founded with the mission to image the Earth every day and make change visible, accessible, and actionable. Planet’s frequent satellite imagery provides consistent insights into land cover, vegetation health, and ecosystem dynamics across the Mount Kenya landscape.

Mr. Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer at Planet Labs, noted the importance of accessible, timely satellite data for conservation outcomes.

“Daily Earth observation allows conservation partners to see change as it happens and respond with greater precision. Through Project Centinela, satellite imagery is supporting more informed habitat monitoring and helping translate data into practical conservation action. It also demonstrates how technology can empower local conservation organizations to make data-driven decisions for species protection and ecosystem restoration,” said Zolli.

Project Centinela strengthens MKWC’s mountain bongo breeding and rewilding programme by improving habitat suitability assessments, identifying priority restoration areas, and supporting long-term wildlife and ecosystem monitoring. The initiative complements MKWC’s broader use of technology, including the deployment of AI-enabled camera systems in 2025 to enhance wildlife monitoring and data collection.

The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between government agencies, conservation institutions, and technology partners can advance the application of satellite-based data for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in Kenya.