Nairobi has secured its place in the stars. In a landmark achievement for African science, Kenya has been selected as the sole African nation to host the prestigious Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program in 2026.

The announcement by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) marks a giant leap for the country's burgeoning space ambitions. The program will see Kenyan students and space enthusiasts make direct, live radio contact with astronauts orbiting the Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This rare window of opportunity is scheduled between July and December 2026.

"A Transformative Moment"

The selection is a global vote of confidence in Kenya's technical capabilities and its commitment to STEM education. "Kenya is the only African country selected for this prestigious program in the 2026 round," the KSA stated, emphasizing the geopolitical significance of the event. "It underscores the nation's growing leadership in space science and innovation on the continent."

The logistics of the event are as complex as they are exciting. To ensure a seamless link-up with the ISS, which orbits the planet at 28,000 kilometers per hour, the KSA will partner with:

• The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory: Providing technical mentorship and equipment standards.
• Harold Safary: The designated ARISS Agency Liaison who will coordinate the frequency clearances and protocols.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The primary mission of the ARISS program is educational. It aims to demystify space exploration and ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among the youth. The KSA has announced that an open call will be issued for students and citizens to submit questions and apply to be the ones holding the microphone when the ISS rises above the Kenyan horizon.

For a few minutes in 2026, the static of the radio waves will clear, and a voice from space will speak directly to Nairobi. It is more than just a conversation; it is a signal to every Kenyan child looking up at the night sky that their dreams are valid and that the final frontier is within their reach.