Legal and regulatory experts from 16 African countries are meeting in Malindi this week for a four-day Kenya space law mission run with the UN and the Italian Space Agency.
Patrick Mariru, Kenya’s principal secretary for defence, opened the Regional Space Law Technical Advisory Mission at the Luigi Broglio Space Centre, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. He said Kenya’s own draft space policy and bill are at an advanced stage of review before going to cabinet.
What is the Kenya space law mission?
The Kenya Space Agency organised it with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (Unoosa) and the Italian Space Agency. Sessions cover national space legislation, licensing, liability, spectrum management and the sustainable use of outer space, the ministry said.
The industry site Space in Africa reported that the mission opened on 10 November and runs to 13 November.
Where does Kenya’s own legislation stand?
Mariru said the draft policy and bill were developed through public consultation. He credited a 2023 Unoosa advisory mission with guiding the framework. No date was given for cabinet consideration.
Hillary Kipkosgey, the agency’s director-general, said Strathmore University had won the African rounds of the Manfred Lachs space law moot court competition in 2025 and 2026. Italy’s ambassador, Vincenzo Del Monaco, attended the opening. Elsewhere in African technology policy, Ghana recently pressed for a results-driven digital plan at the ITU.
FAQ
Who is running the Kenya space law mission?
The Kenya Space Agency, Unoosa and the Italian Space Agency.
How many countries are taking part?
Experts from 16 African countries, according to Kenya’s defence ministry.
Does Kenya have a space law?
Not yet. A draft policy and bill are under review before cabinet considers them, the ministry said.
