Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) are in their final discussions towards the establishment of a Satellite Ground Receiving Station (GRS) that will be based at Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC).

To ratify JKUAT as a Centre of Excellence in research and technology in Remote Sensing and Space Applications, the establishment of the GRS will allow JKUAT and the country to have access to high-resolution earth observation (EO) data from a constellation of Chinese satellites at no cost.

Speaking during a courtesy call paid on her by the Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. Wang Keqiang on Wednesday 6, December 2023, the JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi said, the partnership between JKUAT and CAS has yielded remarkable achievements in research and talent development.

As a result, scientists have propelled groundbreaking discoveries to address important challenges in biodiversity, environmental sustainability, agriculture and health leading to significant strides in confronting some society’s pressing issues.

The Director General of AIRCAS presenting a model depicting the envisioned appearance of the final Satellite ground station to Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi

“Our collaborations transcend the confines of laboratories and fields and have fostered a profound cultural exchange enriching the lives of both Kenyan and Chinese students, researchers and academics,” Prof. Ngumi said.

“This intercultural dialogue has woven bonds of friendship that surpass academic borders, fostering a camaraderie that exemplifies the potency of global cooperation,” she added.

While thanking the Vice Chancellor for the privilege to work with her team, Prof. Wang Keqiang noted that her leadership and commitment to foster meaningful partnerships have played a pivotal role in the success of major projects.

He noted that the synergy between the two institutions has not only enhanced the quality of educational programs but has also created a positive impact on students, researchers and the broader academic community.

“I extend my sincere appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by you and your team throughout our collaboration. It is through such collaborations that we can collectively address challenges, explore new opportunities, and enrich the educational experience for our students,” said Prof. Wang.

“I look forward to the continuation and further development of our partnership, with the hope that it will lead to even more significant achievements and positive outcomes in the future,” he added.

On his part, the Director, SAJOREC, Prof. Robert Gituru thanked the Vice Chancellor and the university management for the support and commitment accorded to SAJOREC towards ensuring the collaboration between the two institutions work.

A commemorative group photo of the JKUAT and AIRCAS management