Kenyan students and space enthusiasts will soon have a rare opportunity to speak directly with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after Kenya was selected to host the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) programme in 2026.
The Kenya Space Agency said the selection places the country at the heart of a global space education initiative that uses amateur radio technology to connect people on Earth with astronauts in orbit.
The programme is scheduled to run between July and December 2026 and will feature live radio contact sessions designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), innovation and space research.
According to the agency, Kenya is the only African country chosen for the 2026 ARISS cycle, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in space science and technological development on the continent.
To prepare for the programme, the Kenya Space Agency will work alongside the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory and Agency Liaison Harold Safary to ensure smooth coordination and technical readiness.
The agency described the initiative as a major milestone for space education in Kenya, noting that it will bring space exploration closer to the public while inspiring young people to pursue careers in science, engineering and research.
An open call will be announced for students and space enthusiasts interested in participating in the live communication sessions with astronauts aboard the ISS.
The International Space Station is a joint project involving 15 countries and serves as a state-of-the-art orbiting laboratory. Since its launch in 1998, it has hosted more than 250 people from around the world.
ISS missions are supported by control centres in Houston and Moscow, alongside payload and mission support facilities in the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe.
The programme is expected to deepen public engagement with space science in Kenya and strengthen the country’s role in global space education initiatives.
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