Kenya has been selected as the only African host of the 2026 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station programme, giving citizens a rare chance to communicate directly with astronauts in orbit.
The initiative is expected to inspire interest in science, technology and space innovation nationwide.
In a statement released on Friday, the Kenya Space Agency described the selection as a landmark moment, saying it would give Kenyans a rare opportunity to communicate directly with astronauts aboard the ISS.
The agency confirmed that Kenya is the only African country chosen for the 2026 hosting round, a development it said reaffirms the country’s growing role in space science and innovation on the continent.
The ARISS programme is designed to connect students, professionals and the wider public with astronauts in orbit through live amateur radio contacts.
According to the Kenya Space Agency, the hosting window is scheduled between July and December 2026, during which multiple engagement activities are expected to take place.
The agency said the programme will allow Kenyan students, industry professionals and citizens to participate in live radio contact sessions with astronauts aboard the ISS.
These interactions, it added, are intended to inspire curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while also encouraging industry innovation and interest in space science.
In its announcement, the agency described the selection as a powerful milestone for space education in Kenya, noting that it brings the country closer to space and empowers the next generation of explorers and researchers.
The statement emphasised that the programme is not only about communication with astronauts, but also about building long-term interest and capacity in space-related fields.
Preparations for the 2026 hosting are already underway. The Kenya Space Agency said it will work closely with an assigned Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory mentor and Harold Safary, who has been named as the Agency Liaison for the programme.
This collaboration, the agency noted, is aimed at ensuring a successful and impactful contact session.
The involvement of regional and international partners reflects the collaborative nature of the ARISS programme, which brings together space agencies, educational institutions and amateur radio organisations from around the world.
For Kenya, the agency said, this cooperation will help maximise the educational and scientific value of the hosting opportunity.
The agency also announced that an open call will be issued for individuals who wish to speak directly with astronauts aboard the ISS.
“An open call will be announced for those who wish to speak directly with astronauts aboard the ISS,” the statement said, signalling that participation will extend beyond institutions to members of the public.
Kenya’s selection comes at a time when the country has been positioning itself as an emerging player in space science and technology.
By hosting the ARISS programme, the agency said Kenya is reinforcing its commitment to science education, innovation and citizen participation in advanced scientific initiatives.
The Kenya Space Agency said the programme is expected to spark nationwide interest, particularly among young people, by offering a tangible and inspiring connection to space exploration.
It described the opportunity to speak with astronauts in orbit as a unique experience that can motivate learners to pursue careers in science and technology.
As preparations continue, the agency said it will share further details about participation, timelines and engagement activities.
For now, it said, Kenya’s selection as the sole African host in 2026 stands as a strong signal of the country’s growing leadership in space science and innovation, and its ambition to bring space closer to its people.
