Gov’t Issues Update on Proposed Spaceport Project

Kenya has provided an update on plans to develop a proposed spaceport, with the Government moving ahead with a feasibility study.

In a statement on Thursday, October 1, Directorate of Public-Private Partnership Director General Kefa Seda said the development is being pursued as part of efforts to position Kenya to participate more actively in the global space economy.

"Kenya’s proposed spaceport represents a strategic national investment with the potential to establish the country as a significant player in the global space economy.

"Its development presents an opportunity to attract international investment, expand our technological capabilities, stimulate specialized industries and create high value economic opportunities around commercial space activities," he wrote.

Seda said the government had taken another step towards advancing the project through the signing of a funding agreement to support the feasibility study.

"This morning, I hosted the Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Major General Hillary Kipkosgey, for the signing of funding agreement to support the feasibility study for the proposed spaceport project. 

"The funding will facilitate the Transaction Advisor’s technical, commercial and financial assessment of the project and inform the development of an appropriate Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure," he added.

The feasibility study will examine the proposed spaceport's viability, investment requirements and commercial prospects before the Government proceeds with the selection of a private sector partner.

Seda said Kenya's geographic location and existing infrastructure along the coast could support the development of commercial launch operations.

"Kenya’s equatorial location, east facing coastline and expanding coastal infrastructure provide a strong foundation for commercial launch operations. The feasibility study will establish the project’s viability, investment requirements and commercial potential, providing the basis for a bankable project structure and the subsequent competitive procurement of a private sector partner," he further said.

Seda said the project would be designed to generate wider economic benefits and strengthen Kenya's position in the international space sector.

"Our focus is to develop the spaceport into a commercially viable national asset that attracts global investment, anchors new industries, expands Kenya’s technological capabilities and secures the country a meaningful position in the global space economy," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the government has unveiled plans to redevelop the Sio Port Pier in Busia County as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic activity around the Lake Victoria Basin.

In an update, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project formed part of the government’s Blue Economy agenda which seeks to harness water-based economic opportunities.

"Through its Blue Economy agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Government is investing in infrastructure to turn this potential into productive economic activity," he wrote.

Omollo said the redevelopment would strengthen the role of Sio Port Pier as an important facility for commerce and connectivity in the region.

"The redevelopment of Sio Port Pier in Busia County is part of this effort, positioning the lakeside facility as a stronger gateway for commerce and connectivity," he added.

Omollo said the redevelopment will introduce several facilities aimed at improving operations at the port, including infrastructure for cargo handling, passenger services, navigation and agencies involved in trade and border operations.

"The project includes a modern pier and jetty, strengthened waterfront, improved navigation channels, cargo handling and storage facilities, a passenger waiting area and offices for agencies supporting trade and border operations," he further said.

According to Omollo, the project will also have separate berthing areas for small boats and commercial vessels. 

The arrangement is expected to improve safety and efficiency for different categories of vessels operating on the water.

Omollo said the project was being implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), with construction being undertaken by Kenya Shipyards Limited.

"Implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and constructed by Kenya Shipyards Limited, the development will support inland water transport, cross-border trade and new livelihoods around the Lake Victoria Basin," he concluded.