As Africa expands its presence in the global space sector, effective governance, sound legal frameworks and regional cooperation remain essential to harnessing space technologies for national security, socioeconomic development and technological advancement.
The Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, officially opened a four-day Regional Space Law Technical Advisory Mission at the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi, Kilifi County, bringing together legal, policy and regulatory experts from 16 African countries to advance the development of effective national space legislation and promote responsible use of outer space.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Mariru underscored the growing strategic importance of space capabilities and called for coordinated, whole-of-government approaches to space governance, supported by robust legal and institutional frameworks.
Highlighting Kenya’s progress, he noted that the Draft Kenya Space Policy and Draft Kenya Space Bill, developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and public participation, are at an advanced stage of review ahead of Cabinet consideration. He credited a 2023 technical advisory mission by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for providing valuable guidance in shaping the country’s emerging space governance framework.
The Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Major General Hillary Kipkosgey, emphasised the importance of building indigenous expertise in space law and fostering regional collaboration. He highlighted Strathmore University’s success in winning the African rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition in 2025 and 2026, advancing to the global finals in both years.
Organised through a partnership between the Kenya Space Agency, UNOOSA and the Italian Space Agency, the mission focuses on national space legislation, licensing, liability, spectrum management and the sustainable utilisation of outer space.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco, Lady Justice Mugure Thande and delegates from participating African nations.
The engagement reinforces Kenya’s commitment to advancing Africa’s space governance agenda through legal harmonisation, institutional capacity building and strategic partnerships, positioning the continent to participate more effectively and responsibly in the rapidly evolving global space economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.
