In inspiring news to many innovators in our beautiful country Kenya, scientists from around the world on Monday held meetings to discuss the setting up a space exploration facility in Kenya, which will be the only one in Equatorial Africa.
Kenya was picked as the best option due to its unique high geographical location on the equator and the fact that it has no observatory center on record.
According to the scientists, Kenya also has a low cloud coverage in North Western part of the country, several mountain tops which are easy to access, dissociation of the mountain tops from urbanization and industrialization and the local climate that is suitable for viewing. Areas mentioned so far as suitable candidates for the observatory include Mount Kulal and Ol Donyo Nyiro both in Southern shores of Lake Turkana.
The team together with students from Technical University of Kenya and Kenyatta University further conducted research on the viability of the region and equipment needed to set up in the areas.
According to Paul Baki, Head of Physics and Space Science at the Technical University of Kenya, the facility will offer a good platform for science students to practice and develop their skill.
“Kenya currently suffers a serious brain drain among graduates in science and technology. This is largely due to the lack of facilities within the country for graduates with scientific talent to develop their skills for the benefit of the local economy.