Kenya Drought is a reality and is occurring with greater frequency. Over 80 percent of the country is arid and semi-arid, with about 20 percent of the population
living in these areas.
A newly launched project by Avanti Communications in Kenya will enable emergency responders and humanitarian organizations to act quickly and effectively on the ground through satellite communication. The project, funded under the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Program (IPP), will provide secure fixed and mobile satellite communications via Avanti’s Ka-band satellite, HYLAS 2, for emergency situations such as conflict, famine, floods and disease outbreaks.
Avanti Communications Group plc (“Avanti”), provider of satellite data communications services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), has announced its new project, Satellite Enablement for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kenya (“SaTDRR Kenya”). Through satellite communications, the project will enhance Kenya’s ability to plan for and respond to disasters.
Agencies that are partnering include Torchlight Group Limited, Airbus Defence and Space (Intelligence), Global Radiodata Communications (“GRC”), the Red Cross Society in Kenya, as well as working closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Interior and the National Disaster Operators Centre (“NDOC”).
HYLAS-2
SatDRR Kenya will enable emergency responders and humanitarian organizations to act quickly and effectively on the ground through satellite communication. The project will also provide Earth observation data to improve Kenya’s pre- and post-disaster strategy and planning, allowing end-users to access information on large-scale disasters such as floods and droughts.
SaTDRR Kenya will demonstrate how high throughput resilient satellite connectivity and accurate remote sensing data can save lives, as well as reducing the social and economic impact on affected communities. Access to satellite services will be underpinned by a capacity building and knowledge transfer programme to embed capability which will deliver sustainable benefits to the Kenyan Government and communities.
Graham Peters, Managing Director of Avanti Government said that Avanti is delighted to be awarded the UK Space Agency’s IPP funding for the SaTDRR Kenya project. Combined with knowledge from their project partners and satellite capacity from their HYLAS 2 satellite, the project will provide Kenya’s disaster response teams crucial communication tools and training to plan and respond to disasters.
Sam Gyimah, Science Minister, said that these partnerships are first and foremost about helping developing countries stand on their own two feet by building the capability to deal with specific challenges. They also showcase the UK’s expertise and demonstrate the services and technology on offer from our leading space innovators.
