Kenya invites bids for advisory services to develop commercial spaceport
By Faith Lagat, December 19, 2025Kenya has moved closer to joining the global space economy after the government invited bids for transaction advisory services to support the development of a commercial spaceport.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the National Treasury in collaboration with the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), marking a major milestone in the country’s long-term space ambitions.
According to an official announcement by the Kenya Space Agency on X dated December 18, 2025, the tender targets qualified firms with expertise in large-scale infrastructure and space-related projects.
“Transaction Advisory Services for Development of a Commercial Spaceport. The Government of Kenya, through the National Treasury and the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), is inviting qualified firms to provide transaction advisory services for the development of a commercial spaceport in Kenya, leveraging the country’s unique equatorial location and east-facing coastline.”
Strategic location and continental gap
Kenya’s push to establish a commercial spaceport is anchored on its strategic geographical advantages. Being located along the equator and facing east toward the Indian Ocean, the country offers conditions that are considered ideal for satellite launches, including fuel efficiency and predictable launch windows.
Africa currently lacks an active commercial satellite launch facility, forcing countries on the continent to rely on overseas launch services at high cost. The proposed Kenyan spaceport is expected to fill this gap and position the country as a regional hub for space activities.
The project also builds on Kenya’s historical involvement in space science, including the Luigi Broglio Space Centre near Malindi, which previously supported satellite launches but is no longer active.
Inter-agency coordination and timelines
Given the sensitive and complex nature of space operations, the process will involve close coordination with several government bodies. These include the Ministry of Defence, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Maritime Authority, National Intelligence Service and the National Environment Management Authority.
KSA encouraged eligible firms to participate, noting that interested firms are encouraged to participate, with a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for 9 January 2026 and the application deadline set for 13 February 2026.
“Interested firms are encouraged to participate, with a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for 9 January 2026 and the application deadline set for 13 February 2026. For more information: https://ksa.go.ke/ksa-tenders.html. Deadline: 13 February 2026.”