Kenya launches inaugural ActInSpace Chapter to drive space-based innovation
Date: 2026-01-31
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya
has officially joined the global ActInSpace innovation movement with the launch
of the inaugural ActInSpace Kenya Chapter in Nairobi, marking the country’s
first participation in the internationally recognised space-focused hackathon
initiated by the French Space Agency.
Speaking
at the opening ceremony, Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Director General, Brigadier
Hillary Kipkosgey, said the launch reflects Kenya’s growing presence in the
global space innovation ecosystem and its commitment to converting space
technologies into practical, real-world solutions. He noted that the initiative
aligns with national efforts to harness space applications for socio-economic
development.
ActInSpace
is a global hackathon held annually since 2014 in partnership with the European
Space Agency, Telecom Valley and the SAFE Cluster. The programme is designed to
encourage innovators to adapt space technologies for terrestrial use,
transforming them into market-ready solutions that address societal and
economic challenges.
The
Kenya chapter opens new avenues for young innovators, startups and researchers
to work on real-world challenges using space-based technologies, including
Earth observation, satellite communications and navigation systems. These
technologies are increasingly critical in sectors such as agriculture, climate
resilience, disaster management, healthcare, urban planning and natural
resource management.
Brigadier
Kipkosgey highlighted KSA’s wider agenda to build a vibrant, inclusive and
sustainable space ecosystem under the Space Innovation Ecosystem Roadmap.
Ongoing initiatives include the development of a National Geo-Data Portal,
plans to establish a Space Technology Fund, structured support for space
startups and the expansion of Anga Hub, an online platform linking space
professionals and enterprises.
He
also acknowledged the role of international partnerships, expressing
appreciation to the French Space Agency, Expertise France and the European
Space Agency for their support in enabling Kenya’s participation in ActInSpace
and in advancing collaborative initiatives such as the ESA–KSA African Business
Innovation Lab.
The
ActInSpace Kenya Chapter is scheduled to run from 30 to 31 January 2026 at the
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, bringing together innovators,
technologists and industry stakeholders to develop space-enabled solutions with
commercial and societal impact.
