By MKT Reporter
Kenya has signalled its intention to deepen investment in space science and innovation following the successful conclusion of the inaugural ActInSpace 2026 Kenya Chapter, which wrapped up last Saturday.
The 24-hour innovation sprint and pitching session brought together young innovators, technologists and researchers to develop solutions using space-based technologies to address real-world challenges. At the end of the hackathon, three teams were recognised for their outstanding ideas and technical ingenuity.
Team TerraSat emerged overall winners, while Team Pedece was named first runners-up and Team Geo-Spear secured the second runners-up position.
As winners, Team TerraSat will represent Kenya at the global ActInSpace finale scheduled to take place in Bordeaux, France, placing the country on the international space innovation stage.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) said that beyond the awards, the hackathon marked the beginning of a longer innovation journey for participating teams.
All teams involved will continue to receive mentorship, startup coaching and technical guidance to help refine their concepts into minimum viable products, with the aim of translating ideas into practical, market-ready solutions.
Looking ahead, KSA announced plans to make the ActInSpace hackathon an annual event.
The agency said the initiative aligns with its broader strategic goals of strengthening Kenya’s space economy, building national capacity in space science and technology, advancing research and innovation and promoting the use of space-derived data and services for inclusive socio-economic development.
“This platform demonstrates how space technologies can be leveraged to solve everyday challenges, from agriculture and climate monitoring to urban planning and disaster management,” the agency noted, adding that nurturing local talent is key to positioning Kenya as a regional hub for space innovation.
The landmark event was supported by the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, funded by the European Union and five EU Member States; Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France and Germany and implemented in collaboration with the African Union.
The partnership highlights growing international cooperation in advancing space innovation and data governance across Africa.
KSA said the collaboration underscores the alignment between Kenya’s national development priorities and international efforts to harness space technologies for sustainable development, innovation and economic growth.
With the successful launch of ActInSpace Kenya, the country has taken a significant step toward embedding space-based innovation into its development agenda, while opening new opportunities for local innovators to compete and collaborate on the global stage.
Dennis Dibondo 
Aoma Keziah