Kenya is making big moves in space technology. Last week, Nairobi successfully hosted the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo & Conference 2026 from June 2 to 5.

The event brought together over 1,500 participants from nearly 90 countries to discuss space innovation, earth observation, data, and technology for development.

Key Highlights:

  • Kenya was selected as the only African country to host the 2026 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) programme, with live contacts between Kenyan students and astronauts planned for later this year.
  • Discussions on building Kenya’s first commercial spaceport in Malindi/Kipini area to support future satellite launches.
  • Stronger international partnerships with the US, Germany, Italy, and others.
  • Focus on using space technology for farming, disaster management, climate monitoring, and security.

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) says these efforts will help Kenya become a major player in Africa’s growing space industry.

This comes after Kenya launched its first operational satellite, Taifa-1, in 2023 and continues to build local capacity in space science.