Our Speakers hold a unique and vast experience on matters of Space. They will set the tone for KSEC 2024, and encapsulate our core theme, to ensuring our audience are attuned to this year's event objectives.
Robert P Ndugwa is the current Chief of the Data and Analytics Section of UN-Habitat where he leads the agency’s efforts in the collection and dissemination of global urban statistical information and oversees the development of standards and norms for urban statistical activities including the integration of geospatial, statistical, and other information in routine urban monitoring and evaluation processes
He is the training Officer on Space Applications and Emerging Technologies at the African Union Commission overseeing the institutional and human capacity development of the Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security in Africa (GMES & Africa)-a continental project in Earth Observation (EO) with a network of over 120 National and Regional institutions.
Levin M. Born is the co-founder and Managing Director of Regent Square Group (RSG), and advisory firm specializing in market access and regulatory compliance for space technology companies. Levin is also the co-founder of Afamba Group, which owns and operates Gateway Earth Stations around the world.
Amoré Nel attained her Ph.D. in Space Physics in 2019, reporting on the discovery and analysis of a new type of aurora while on fieldwork in Norway. Her postdoctoral work was at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, where the focus was on geomagnetic field studies using joint satellite and ground-based observatory data, and she conducts research in several topics in the field of Space Science. Currently, she is the applied geomagnetic researcher at SANSA Space Science in South Africa. She aims to increase our understanding of Space Weather prediction, as well as promote collaboration on this mandate on an international level.
Benson Kenduiywo is a Data Science specialist with over 13 years experience offering spatial data related solutions including surveying, mapping, remote sensing, machine learning, crop modelling, and index insurance. He is interested in the use of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to build spatial solutions in Agriculture and beyond. Currently at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, he leads and supports spatial and related data analysis for the Climate Security Observatory (CSO), Livestock and Climate, Fragility Migration and Conflict amongst other initiatives. In addition, he is the lead for East Africa region stationed in Nairobi where he helps coordinate CGIAR climate security activities and engagement with partners in East Africa.
Dr Robert Aruho is the Head of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy where he is leading the reintroduction of Mountain Bongo in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service. He holds a Master’s degree in International Animal Health from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University. He is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope, Pangolin, Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Groups.
Esther Makabe has over 10 years in the Geospatial industry primarily focusing on climate change, food security, monitoring and evaluation, environmental risk assessment, emergency response and human security. Ms. Makabe holds an MSc. in Geography from Bonn & United Nations Universities. In her current role with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in Geneva, she coordinates the work around capacity strengthening in the use of Earth Observation for Agriculture and Food Security.
Prof Baki is Fellow and Hon. Secretary, Kenya National Academy of Sciences. Member: International Astronomical Union (IAU); Physics Society of Kenya; East African Astronomical Society. Member, International Network of Governmental Science Advice (INGSA). He is a member of United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Expert Group C: Long Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities. Contributes to the development of space policies in the domain of space weather and sustainability of outer space activities at technical and scientific committees; African Union Working Group on Space Policy & Space Strategy; Working Group on Policy of the Network of African Science Academies ( NASAC).
With an MBA with over 15 years’ experience in satellite broadband communications across Africa and Middle East. Mary’s mandate focuses on establishing an ecosystem of business partners within the telecommunications space in Africa.
Prior to Avanti, Mary worked for leading telcos in Africa namely iSAT Africa Limited, iWayAfrica Limited, Callkey Services Limited and Bayobab (formerly UUNET Kenya and MTN Business Kenya) in different capacities: Head Customer Relations, Business Development Manager (West and Central Africa), Service Delivery & Strategic Projects Manager and Customer Support Engineer.
Dr. Olwendo received his Ph.D. in Space Physics from Pwani University in 2015. He is currently the Principal investigator on Ionospheric Scintillation and space environment specification and maintains a Space Weather and Ionospheric Research Laboratory at Pwani University.
Dr Willice Obonyo is a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya, and a visiting research fellow at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He obtained his PhD in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Leeds in 2020, an MSc in Astrophysics and Space Science from the University of Cape Town in 2015, and an MSc in Physics from Moi University in 2011. His research involves the use of observations and computer simulations to study the properties of massive protostars.
Tom Whitehill is the Head of Sales and International Development Projects at Avanti. Tom has led design and delivery of large-scale EdTech programs across sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with private and public sector organisations and international development agencies. Tom has held roles within Finance and Telecommunication companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He holds a degree in Finance and Business from the University of Bournemouth in the UK.
Dr. Nadir Hashim is a senior lecturer and former chairman, Department of Physics at Kenyatta University. Currently, his main areas of research are on the application of nuclear techniques to environmental radiation monitoring; study of extensive air showers using Monte Carlo simulations and experimental observations, development of radio astronomy, study of galaxy interactions and their structures. Dr. Hashim has supervised over 30 postgraduate students and collaborates with international scientists in the fields of radiation physics, astronomy and astrophysics.
Alana works as a knowledge transfer manager in South Africa as part of the Global Alliance Africa project, running their UK-Africa Space technology Innovation activities network, and fostering collaboration and social impact with their Place Based Innovation intervention in Gauteng, South Africa.
Alana runs the UK-Africa Space-technology innovation network, which holds much potential for space-related companies across South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and the UK. Get in contact for more information on what support and programmes are available.
Kenneth Mubea, PhD is the Capacity Development Lead, Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa). Kenneth's role includes technical support and user engagement and support, driving usage of the DE Africa services and engaging with the DE Africa network of partners across Africa. Kenneth has previously worked with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD, UN Foundation), and SERVIR (NASA - USAID initiative). He holds a PhD in Geography from University of Bonn, Germany. Kenneth sees that a time has come that earth observation will be the critical means for decision making for countries and regional bodies towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leaving no one behind.
David’s experience spans from using GIS and Remote Sensing to participating in numerous multidisciplinary projects geared towards delivering services that meet international standards in industries that include, Water Resources Management, Infrastructure and Utility Mapping, Agriculture and Food Security, Mining, Forest Resources Monitoring, Urban Planning, Air Quality Monitoring, Land Administration among others. While at RCMRD he championed the creation of GeoHub Africa, an innovation, incubation and research Centre. He was also the focal point for the Digital Earth Africa (East Africa office) based at RCMRD.
Yariwo Kitiyo is a seasoned data analyst with a background in GIS having over
7 years experience in tech and works best in fast moving and dynamic environments. She has expertise in leading diverse and dynamic teams across various project sizes and has managed to build and head data teams. Her strength lies in
comprehending data infrastructures, integrating systems and developing data strategies to execution, creating high value geo enabled systems that streamline and optimise business operations. In her career she has successfully proven the ability to translate data strategies into information products, roadmaps, and specifications. She has been featured in the Mawazo Institute Women Breaking Barriers in STEM and the Geospatial World Rising Stars 2022 Edition.
Prof. Farah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Surveying and Photogrammetry from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Master’s Degree in Geography from University of Waterloo Canada and PhD Degree in Water Resources Surveys from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. He has more than twenty five years experiences in applications of earth observation and has worked in the public, academic and private Sectors. Prof. Farah research interests are in the applications of geoinformation for natural resources modelling and management and has undertaken extensive research and consultancy work in the Eastern and Southern African region. Prof. Farah is a Member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya and former Council Member of the International Society of Phogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
Shereen Zorba is an expert in political communications and international relations whose work with the UN spans over 20+ years. She has been credited for leading diverse, high-impact programmes across UN Environment and Peacekeeping operations. Her recent work focuses on strengthening the interface between science, policy and diverse markets to achieve environmental sustainability. Since 2017, Shereen lead the convening of UN-SPBF around Big Data for the planet, bringing together the contributions and perspectives of diverse actors and experts, including technology giants and earth observations leaders.
Prior to joining the Alliance, Anastasia was the SERVIR Eastern & Southern Africa's Science, Data & Technology Lead, leading a team of technical experts in agriculture & food security, water & related disasters, land cover land use change monitoring and weather & climate. SERVIR E&SA, a collaboration between USAID and NASA had a goal of improving the use of Earth observation data for informed decision making by improving the capacity of technical experts other stakeholders through needs based development of tailor-made tools and applications and capacity building.
Anastasia also actively participated in the continental and global fronts including being a Co-Chair of the Group on Earth Observations' Data Working Group, a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Global Earth Observation System of Systems, and planning, coordination and implementation of AfriGEO activities.
In his role as the regional lead for Africa, Gerald navigates the geospatial industry's intricacies, particularly focusing on civil governments' needs and challenges across the continent. His passion lies in harnessing innovative technology to comprehend contexts, construct scenarios, and inform decisions while monitoring actions. Currently, his focus areas encompass Agriculture, Natural Resources, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Resilience, and Planning and Development.
Gerald remains steadfast in advocating for the adoption of strategies that foster the development of smart, resilient, and thriving communities through Earth Observation and artificial intelligence.
Joan is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and earned her LLM from the prestigious Universiteit Leiden, Netherlands; one of Europe’s leading research and teaching universities, globally acclaimed as a world leader in the field of Air and Space Law. She has trained extensively in local, regional and international legal forums achieving excellence in the fields of Corporate Restructuring, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Development and PPPs, Energy, Banking, Aviation, Air and Space Law, Risk and Compliance, Corporate Governance, Board Management, Diplomacy, Telecommunications and Media, and Intellectual Property law.
Nekesa is working to scale the positive health impact achieved with the Community Health Toolkit, by building and fostering a vibrant community of practice.
Prior to joining Medic, Nekesa was the Director of Strategy at AfriLabs where she was responsible for the development and execution of a strategy that ensured a thriving innovation economy in Africa driven by the power of the AfriLabs community, a network of over 400 innovation centres spread across 53 African countries.
Simon Mulwa, a trailblazer in Digital Transformation, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 16 years. His expertise lies in driving ICT system implementation, adept management, and fostering strategic partnerships across international, private, and public sectors.
Ms. Faith Mutwiri currently serves as a GIS and Remote Sensing expert at the Kenya Forest Service with a strong background in applying geospatial technologies in the forestry sector. She possesses over 10 years of experience in mapping and assessment of forest resources in the country and in coordinating gathering, analysis and modelling of remotely sensed forest data for policy guidance, and for International and National reporting processes.
Dr. Paolo Marzioli is a Research Associate in aerospace systems at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, where he gained his PhD in 2021 with a thesis focused on nano-satellite innovative navigation systems. He is currently co-chairing the courses in Spacecraft Design and Aircraft Systems within the MSc in Space and Astronautical Engineering and the BSc in Aerospace Engineering at Sapienza.
His major research topics deal with enabling technologies for nano-satellites development and Space Traffic Management.
Dr. Ayman has Master of business administration - France, Ph.D. in Communications Engineering - Satellite Imaging Systems, and Post-doctoral research in small satellite systems - Japan.
Ayman led more than ten space projects, recently, the Principal investigator of ClimCam Project, which is a Artificial intelligent imaging system for the International Space Station. He is the founder of the African training program in Egypt.
Dr.-Ing Anthony Kiroe is a lecturer of Physics in the department of Physics of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He has sixteen years of experience teaching basic and applied Physics with interests in thermodynamics, microelectronics, instrumentation, space platforms, and GNSS meteorology.
He is a First Class graduate of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nigeria. He has a Distinction MSc degree in Space Physics, Rhodes University – South Africa, and a Distinction PhD in Physics & Astronomy, University of Nigeria. Dr Daniel Okoh’s research interests are in the areas of Space Weather modelling, especially using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Stuart has 25 years’ experience in procuring and delivering complex property and infrastructure projects, and prior to founding Fire Arrow was a Partner with global property and construction consultants, Gardiner & Theobald LLP. Stuart's experience includes horizontal and vertical spaceport delivery, satellite manufacturing and operations facilities, ancillary industrial and office space and master planning.
Dr. Awor Adero is a passionate space physicist with good research experience in geomagnetism. He holds a Ph.D. in Space Physics from the Technical University of Kenya, and currently a lecturer at the same university. Dr. Adero has dedicated his career to understanding the Earth's magnetic environment and its interactions with solar and cosmic phenomena.
Dr. Melvin Hoare studied for his PhD in Astrophysics at University College London, before carrying out postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg. In 1996, he joined the faculty at the University of Leeds where he is now Professor of Astrophysics. His research focuses on the formation of massive stars - the ones that live fast, die young and control much of galaxy evolution.
Nyambura's diverse career journey has developed through aerospace manufacturing, venture building, and healthcare technology implementation across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Currently, she serves as a Senior Associate at Pyramidia Ventures, while also holding an Advisory Board position at WildDrone (EU). Her entrepreneurial nature led her to found the Viwanda Africa Group, and she furthered her passion for Space by supporting academia at the International Space University.
Hans Geldenhuys is appointed as Director – Africa, and responsible for overseeing all operations and commercial activities in the region. He joined Intelsat in 2015, as Managing Sales Director and was focused on developing and implementing strategies for expanding market share and growing sales activities across the Sub-Saharan market. Hans Geldenhuys has over 20 years of experience in the field and has served in several Managerial and Director positions within the African market. Prior to joining Intelsat he successfully completed a six-year assignment in Lagos, Nigeria, gaining valuable experience across the African continent.
Makokha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Informatics and Computing at Taita Taveta University, involved in training, mentorship, supervision, research and outreach. He is a geospatial solutions and environment and water resource management expert with years of experience in carrying out research, teaching and offering advice on various environmental and water-related issues.
Richard Vaughan is a BBC-trained television documentary director with forty years’ experience in creating scientific and medical films for an international audience. He has also been responsible for a large portfolio of published materials, including social and economic commentaries on several African countries
Sheena Raikundalia has over 16 years of experience in the legal, financial services and impact investment sectors in Europe and Africa and over 7 years’ board experience.
She is extremely passionate and confident about the potential in Africa. With her diverse experience, she understands and has strong networks with the government, private sector, international donor, investor and local tech entrepreneurs and hubs
Victor Otieno MBA (Entrepreneurship), BCOM, CPA (K) is the Managing Director of Viffa Consult and former County Chief Officer in Charge of Digital economy and startups in Nairobi City County and former Policy advisor to the Association of startup and SME enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) board.
At Viffa Victor Leads in conducting in-depth research on issues affecting Kenyan SMEs and Startups, analyzing existing policies and propose evidence-based recommendations to improve the business environment for SMEs and Startups, engage with government, private sector, and CSOs to advocate for policy reforms and initiatives that support SME and Startup growth and disseminating research findings, policy recommendations, and best practices through publications, mainstream media and online platforms among others.
Maryia Urazaeva is a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in Aerospace and Geoinformation Technologies, specializing in EO applications, commercialization, innovation, and sustainability. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical, real-world applications.
Musyimi Mbathi holds a PhD in Urban Planning and currently serving as a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Department of Urban and Regional Planning. He has worked as an Urban Planner with the Government of Kenya for over 10 years and the United Nations (UN-HABITAT) as a consultant in the Global Urban Observatory Unit.
Merceline Ojwala is a seasoned GIS and Remote Sensing Expert with over 16 years of experience in the field. Armed with a Master of Science degree in Geospatial Information System and Remote Sensing, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management, Merceline possesses a solid educational foundation.
As the CEO of NMK, a State Corporation, Prof Gikungu is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the management of Kenya’s Cultural and Natural Heritage including over 300 Sites and Monuments and a multidisciplinary research portfolio. The Director General also chairs and supervises the Directors Management Board of NMK.
Misiani holds a BSc. degree in Meteorology from the University of Nairobi and a Master's in Meteorology from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. At the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) as a Senior Research Scientist & Climate Focal Point.
Dr. David Gikungu is the current Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Permanent Representative of Kenya with the World Meteorological Organization. Dr. Gikungu is a seasoned meteorologist who has vast experience in the science of meteorology and has held several managerial positions in the Department.
Davis is a Partner and Chairman at RIIS, the largest innovation advisory firm in Africa, focused on the nexus of strategy, innovation, and development. In his previous role as CEO at RIIS, he established what is now the one of the largest African-grown space advisory practices; he is now based in Kenya where he leads the East Africa activities of the broader Anza group, which include RIIS, Anza Capital, an early-stage VC fund, and the SA Innovation Summit, one of the largest start-up events in Africa
Dr. Girmaw Abebe Tadesse is a Principal Research Scientist and Manager at Microsoft's AI for Good Research Lab, where he leads the Africa team in developing AI solutions for agriculture, healthcare, biodiversity, and more. He collaborates with partners including the Kenya Space Agency, Amref Health Africa, Planet, CGIAR, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanford University, and Harvard University. He holds over 20 patents and has published in top journals such as Nature.
Dr. Andrew Muriithi is a board-certified consultant anaesthesiologist and also holds an MSc. in Aerospace Medicine from King’s College, London. He additionally holds a Diploma in Aviation Medicine from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of London. He heads the department of anaesthesia at the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital, and is charged with the care of patients undergoing spine surgery and rehabilitation post-spinal injury. He is also a consultant flight physician with the Amref Flying Doctors where he transports critically ill patients across the world and a designated Aviation Medical Examiner with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority where he issues class one, two, and three medical certificates at Riverdale Medical Centre in Nairobi Kenya
Julius Gichohi is the lead the establishment of Regional Centre Training Institute which is the training arm of RCMRD. It the leading institute of Geospatial training institute in East and Sound Africa. Currently offers Geospatial Diploma and professional courses. Before he joined RCMRD in 2014 only IT and BBIT were being offered in collaboration with JKUAT.
Mairura Omwenga is a civil/structural engineer, town planner and EIA expert with 37-year work experience. He holds BSc (civil engineering) and MA (Urban and Regional Planning) from the University of Nairobi. He is currently pursuing PhD research in transportation planning in Nairobi. He is a transport/infrastructure lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of the Built Environment and Design
Mr. Davis Adieno is the Senior Director of Programs at the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (the Global Partnership), based in Nairobi, Kenya. He translates the Global Partnership’s vision and strategic objectives into actionable data initiatives. Davis nurtures sustainable and trusting data partnerships between governments and non-state actors that deliver development outcomes and impact in diverse sectors.
Prof. Dr. Gilberto Camara is a researcher in Geoinformatics, Earth Observation, and Land Use Modelling at Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE). He is internationally recognised for promoting free access to geospatial data and for setting up an efficient satellite monitoring of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Gilberto was INPE’s director general from December 2005 to May 2012. Under his guidance, INPE’s team achieved big advances in land change monitoring using remote sensing, leading to a major decrease in the deforestation in Amazonia.
Tor-Gunnar Vågen is a Principal Scientist and head of the Spatial Data Science and Applied Learning Lab (SPACIAL) at CIFOR-ICRAF. He has a background in soil science, hydrology, landscape ecology, statistical modeling and machine learning, computer programming, and remote sensing (earth observation). Dr. Vågen has been leading the development and application of the Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF), which was initially developed in the Sahel and has been implemented in a range of projects across 45 countries in the global tropics.
Dr. Pamela Ochungo is a geospatial scientist with a longstanding interest in the application of geospatial techniques to research and development projects with the aim of understanding complex interrelated processes. In December 2020 she was awarded a PhD in Conservation Ecology from Stellenbosch University, SA, whereby she was researching on the value of the agro-ecological landscape for honeybee colony strength in a semi-arid area in Kenya using Remote Sensing techniques as well as in-situ honeybee data collected longitudinally in Mwingi, Eastern Kenya. Her research was carried out at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) as a DAAD (German Academic Exchange) scholar.
Ronald is a farmer and an enthusiastic professional with a relentless drive to reshape the agricultural landscape leveraging on technology and innovation. With over 7years experience as an agribusiness and technology in agriculture professional, his role spans across strategic development, project coordination, product development and nurturing client relationships, evident in partnerships with UN WOMEN Ethiopia, World Vegetable Center, Yara East Africa, Tomorrow.io and TomorrowNow.org.
Guillermo Roselló, Trilingual executive with more than 20 years of International experience in Defense, Aviation and Space sectors, both in the private domain, in Strategy, Commercial and Operations Management positions in top level multinational companies and in the public sector as General Branch Navy Officer in overseas NATO and national operations and in the military Engineering Branch developing its activity in Defense Special Programs