Strengthening Ecological Monitoring Capacity in Northern Kenya through Advanced Geospatial Training

Lodwar, Turkana County | April 2026 - Officers drawn from in the Northern Kenya have strengthened their capacity to monitor critical ecological changes following a five-day technical training held in Lodwar, Turkana County. The training, conducted was from 13th to 17th April 2026, focused on the application of advanced geospatial tools-Google Earth Engine and the R programming language-in mapping invasive species, land use and land cover (LULC), and surface water resources.

The workshop was organized by the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) under the Strengthening Pastoral Livelihoods in the African Greater Horn through Effective Anticipatory Action (PASSAGE) Project, bringing together participants from the Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), and the Turkana County Government. These institutions play a central role in environmental governance, natural resource management, and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Set against the backdrop of Turkana County’s fragile and climate-sensitive ecosystems, the training addressed some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the area. Participants engaged with real-world datasets from Turkana, enabling them to analyze the spread of invasive plant species such as Prosopis juliflora, track changing land use patterns driven by pastoralism and settlement expansion, and monitor fluctuating surface water availability linked to drought cycles.

Facilitated by Angela Too and Connel Cheptumo, under the Earth Observation and GIS Unit the sessions adopted a highly practical, hands-on approach that allowed participants to interact directly with satellite imagery and analytical tools. Using Google Earth Engine, a cloud-based platform for processing large-scale geospatial data, participants quickly learned how to run scripts and generate environmental maps. By the second day, most had successfully navigated the platform independently, reflecting a strong uptake of the technology. The integration of outputs into the R programming language introduced participants to more advanced data analysis and visualization techniques, although many noted that this component would benefit from further dedicated training.

Beyond technical skills, the training fostered meaningful collaboration among institutions that often operate in parallel. Discussions throughout the week highlighted the potential for improved coordination, particularly in areas such as drought early warning, invasive species management, and land use monitoring. Participants recognized that shared data systems and harmonized methodologies could significantly enhance the effectiveness of environmental governance in Turkana County.

The outcomes of the workshop point to significant opportunities for expansion. There is growing demand among Kenyan environmental agencies for structured training in geospatial programming, as well as for ongoing mentorship to support the practical application of newly acquired skills. The initiative also lays the foundation for collaborative research and the development of real-time environmental monitoring dashboards that can support decision-making at both county and national levels. Furthermore, the success of the Lodwar training provides a scalable model that can be replicated in other arid and semi-arid regions.

As the training concluded, participants left with not only new technical competencies but also a renewed commitment to data-driven environmental management. The workshop stands as a testament to the growing role of earth observation technologies in addressing complex ecological challenges and underscores the importance of equipping local institutions with the tools needed to respond effectively.