Makueni, Israeli firm sign deal to use satellite data to guide rural road investments

Makueni County in Kenya has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Israeli engineering and environmental solutions company AnyWay Solutions. The agreement aims to utilize satellite data, mapping technology, and climate-risk information to prioritize rural roads for repair and upgrading. Makueni County has a road network of over 14,000 kilometers, with about 80% of it being earth and gravel roads.

During the rainy seasons, 70-80% of the network becomes difficult or impassable, disrupting access to vital services such as schools, health facilities, and markets. AnyWay Solutions' East Africa Regional Manager Solomon Nigusie stated that the partnership intends to help the county make better investment decisions rather than simply building more roads.

The system will combine local knowledge with satellite data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), rainfall records, and other datasets to assess the road network's vulnerabilities and rank roads based on factors such as agricultural activity, population served, access to markets, schools, and health facilities. The initiative will begin with a pilot in Mbooni Sub-County, followed by a phase that introduces road asset management tools, trains county personnel in data collection and analysis, and establishes a dashboard to support road management and budget decisions.

Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Gideon Behar emphasized the relevance of the partnership in light of climate change and the pressure it puts on Makueni's road network. He highlighted that data-driven planning can help the county direct scarce resources more efficiently and prepare for climate-related risks. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. expressed enthusiasm about the technology and training offered through the partnership, noting that it could reduce wastage and free resources for other sectors, particularly agriculture.