The Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Russian government are negotiating the construction of a new launch pad in Malindi, Kenya, which would allow SS-25 intercontinental ballistic missile-derivative commercial launches from a site nearer the equator than Baikonur, Kazakhstan, or Plesetsk, Russia. Some Italian politicians say that ASI should instead invest in European Space Agency projects, saying the Malindi move would create a direct competitor to the Italian-led European Vega programme.
Source: Flight International