The New Observatory for Real-time Ionospheric Sounding over Kenya-NORISK project is part of the framework agreement signed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and INGV for collaboration in areas of common interest through the joint and coordinated implementation of initiatives, activities and programs. The NORISK project will be implemented based on the existing agreement between ASI and INGV on research activities for the study of Sun-Earth relations and development of monitoring in the context of Space Weather. The project will also involve Kenya government through the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and local public universities who are currently presented in the project by Pwani University (PU).

NORISK specifically aims to:

a) Design and develop an ionospheric observatory at the Broglio Space Centre in Malindi (Kenya).

b) To develop models, algorithms and products for monitoring the low-latitude ionosphere in the African sector.

c)  To train the new generation of experienced researchers and technicians in the field of research and technological development in support of Space Weather.

The specific objective to train the new generation of researchers and scientists using the new infrastructure will take the form of a natural extension of the collaboration already started between Italy (INGV) and Kenya (PU) for the realization of Capacity Building Workshops in space weather science for students and young researchers from East Africa.  The INGV will support PU through its collaborations with ICTP to bring its experience in the field of communication and scientific dissemination. The close collaboration with PU will allow the necessary diffusion in the African community and will make PU a leading institution in the training and dissemination of topics based on the scientific research carried out thanks to the data of the new observatory and to the algorithms developed within NORISK.