The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is integrating space technology into its operations to monitor forest cover and support national tree-growing initiatives, according to announcements by forest officials. The initiative utilizes geographic information systems and remote sensing to track changes in forest health and land use across the country.
Strategic Partnership with the Kenya Space Agency
According to Kenya Forest Service officials, the KFS has established a strategic partnership with the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) to develop specialized forestry solutions. Speaking during the launch of the Kenya Space Agency Strategic Plan 2020–2025, officials noted that the collaboration focuses on monitoring forest fires, mapping land cover and land use, and tracking distinct forest types including natural forests, plantations, bamboo, and mangroves.
Officials emphasized the inter-agency cooperation involved in deploying national technological resources for environmental protection.
Google Earth Engine and Research Applications
As part of the technological rollout, KFS and KSA are implementing a joint research project centered on earth observation applications. According to officials, the agencies have nominated geographic information systems and remote sensing technical officers to co-develop natural resource management products using the Google Earth Engine platform.
The operational framework includes specialized training for technical teams provided by Earth Observation Data Science. Funding for this technical component is supported by the Group on Earth Observations and Google, enabling local personnel to process satellite imagery and analyze environmental data more effectively.
National Tree-Growing Targets and Forest Cover
The technological push aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental objectives to increase national tree cover. According to official figures released during the strategic plan launch, Kenya’s forest cover stands at 7.2 percent, falling short of the constitutional target of 10 percent.
To bridge this gap, the country faces a requirement to plant 1.8 billion seedlings to reach the 10 percent threshold, an undertaking projected to cost at least Sh48 billion.