Kenya has cemented its position as a continental leader in geospatial intelligence and environmental monitoring following global recognition of the Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), which received two prestigious international accolades from STAR VISION Aerospace Group Limited.
The honors the Oriental Club VIP Award and the OSE Plaque Award were formally presented during a ceremony held at the DRSRS headquarters in Nairobi. The event also marked the signing of a new strategic partnership with the Flight Training Centre (FTC), aimed at bolstering the country’s capabilities in airborne geospatial data acquisition.
Receiving the awards, DRSRS Director Dr. Moses Akali described the recognition as a testament to Kenya’s rising prominence in space-based technologies and the growing global appreciation for the country’s innovation-driven approach to sustainable development.
“These awards are not just symbols of what we have accomplished—they are a call to action,” Dr. Akali stated. “We will continue to push the envelope in remote sensing and geospatial applications, ensuring our work supports real-world solutions in areas such as agriculture, wildlife management, and urban planning.”
In tandem with the award presentation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between DRSRS and FTC, laying the groundwork for joint operations in aerial mapping and survey missions. Speaking at the ceremony, FTC’s Captain Gordon Wachira highlighted the institution’s investment in pilot training and technological readiness.
“Our commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence is unwavering,” said Capt. Wachira. “This partnership will ensure Kenya remains at the forefront of accurate and efficient aerial data acquisition, thanks to our well-trained flight crews and advanced operational standards.”
STAR VISION representative Mr. Titus Kiragu, who participated in the event, underscored the strategic nature of the collaboration and the significance of Kenya’s role on the global stage.
“These awards celebrate DRSRS’s proven leadership and Kenya’s readiness to integrate cutting-edge satellite and AI technologies into national planning,” said Mr. Kiragu. “We are especially excited about the potential for joint projects, such as satellite-based monitoring of wildlife and livestock ecosystems — vital for environmental sustainability.”
Kiragu also announced STAR VISION’s intent to co-host a national multi-agency workshop focused on remote sensing applications, a move expected to galvanize cross-sector collaboration in harnessing space-based data.
Closing the event, Principal Geo-Information Officer Mr. Vincent Imala emphasized the broader importance of Kenya’s growing network of geospatial partnerships.
“Today is more than a celebration it’s a reaffirmation of our collective vision,” said Imala. “By fusing science, innovation, and collaboration, we are not only enhancing our technical capabilities but also strengthening the foundations for evidence-based policymaking across government.”
The dual awards and the new partnerships signify a major leap forward for Kenya’s geospatial development. As the country continues to build strategic alliances and invest in high-impact technology, its commitment to data-driven decision-making and environmental stewardship positions it as a model for the region and beyond.
