Marsabit identified ideal county for Sh5bn Spaceport

Nairobi, Kenya, Nov 22 – Marsabit County has been identified as the most suitable county in Kenya to set up a Spaceport, a report commissioned by Viwanda Africa Group has revealed estimating the initial cost of construction of such a port at Sh5bn.

The report which was done in collaboration with an American-based firm, Longshot Space Technology, and a team from Kenyatta and Nairobi universities estimated the spaceport’s operating costs at Shs 7 billion and revenue of Shs 1 billion per launch.

It approximated 5 launches within the first year of construction and an exponential rise to 60 launches by the the10th year of operation

Marsabit was termed ideal due to its large tracts of unoccupied, affordable land, sparse population density, low trafficked airspace, generally flat terrain, and proximity to the LAPPSET corridor.

Speaking while receiving the report, Kenya Space Agency Director-General, Hilary B. Kipkosgey says the benefits of establishing a spaceport capable of launching rockets within Kenya are numerous and would positively impact the growth of the country.

“The development of highly innovative industries such as this provides current and future employment opportunities in many sectors, and the potential for growth in supporting industries. Development of such a spaceport would also foster research, innovation, and growth of knowledge within this country, rippling out to Kenya taking the lead globally as a significant player in the space sector,” Kipkosgey noted.

Kenyatta University Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Victor M. Mwongera, Principle investigator and aerospace engineer said the report provides a strong initial examination on the viability of establishing a spaceport in Kenya.

“The report examines the benefits of establishing the spaceport, the ideal location, the considerations that must be made, its commercial viability as well as how the private and public sector should work together to make it a reality.  The case made here shows that establishment of the spaceport is not only a viable idea, but something that we as a nation should aim to pursue”, said Mwongera.

Viwanda Africa CEO Nyambura Kamau noted the interest to carry out the survey in Kenya originated from the geographic advantages the country sits on as a potential launch site.

“If you look at a World map you see that Kenya is among 6 or 7 countries in the world with ideal placement for a space launch. After researching Kenya and paying a visit to Nairobi, I discovered a further advantage the nation has which may make it unique in the world; its people,” Longshot Space Technology CEO, Mike Grace said.