Kenya has earned world recognition with the onset launch of the TAIFA-1 satellite which has been developed and designed by nine Kenyan engineers. Though there has been a delay in the process of launching associated with the bad weather patterns witnessed, the TAIFA-1 satellite is set to be a major milestone for Kenya being the first satellite.
Even though the reception of the satellite has heightened curiosity and anxiety among the citizens, the people largely are unaware of the main developments or benefits to be attained from the satellite setup.
According to Pattern Odhiambo, the Taifa-1 mission’s subsistence lead, with the successful setup and launch of the TAIFA-1 satellite there will be ease in data collection that will mainly assist in improving agriculture in the country. “During the rainy season, farmers in the village just know they need fertilizers and other farm inputs, but their knowledge is not scientifically guided as they do what has always been done. But with this technology, farmers will be guided on what interventions are needed in farming,” he said.
Further revealing that the satellite technology data collected will enhance farmers’ action in response to challenges faced in the agriculture sector. Some of these he highlights will entail mapping out areas affected by floods, crop diseases, and drought before they happen.
Adding that through the data collected by the TAIFA-1 satellite farmers will be able to select the best crops depending on the region as it will define the type of soils and most eligible foods for the area.
“Satellite technology will reduce wastage and improve efficiency. It will also predict crop yields as the images, which will be taken in various farming seasons will be analyzed and guide the farmers on crop production,” Mr. Odhiambo added.
In addition through, this technology there will be better monitoring of the natural resources, such as lakes, oceans, and forests and analysis of data sent back from space will be able to pinpoint any abnormalities, such as flooding or forest fires.
This data from the TAIFA-1 satellite will be essential in urban planning technology as it will specify the lands suitable for construction from those for farming. Faith Karanja of the University of Nairobi emphasizes that technology is vital for people. She points out a limited understanding of the people in matters to do with this technology.
“Government should work very hard to ensure all these investments translate to tangible outcomes that citizens can relate with,” she says. Stating that there is enough workmanship in the sector only missing link is the field to practice the skills learned by students in astronomy courses.
Mr. Odhiambo points out that the launch of the satellite paves the way for students pursuing courses on astronomy and space at the university who had zero ideas of how to utilize the knowledge they get at the university.
