ClimCam: Kenya Space Agency Announces Successful Launch of the Climate Camera
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has announced the successful launch of the Climate Camera (ClimCam) Payload destined for the International Space Station (ISS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 11, 2026, KSA said the ClimCam is among several payloads and other supplies to the ISS aboard the Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission (NG–24).
Where was ClimCam launched from?
The liftoff aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Saturday 11 April 2026 at 1.41pm East African Time.
“Cygnus XL NG–24 Spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 Rocket first stage booster after about 7 minutes from liftoff and is now expected to rendezvous with the ISS in the morning hours on Monday 13 April 2026, when the NG–24 will dock onto the ISS for the resupply mission,” read part of the statement.
The ClimCam is among many technological and scientific payloads that will be hosted on the ISS for experimental and technological showcases and applications.
It is a product of collaborative effort between the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), and the Uganda National Space Programme.
Its development journey entailed multiple phases of design, assembly, integration, testing, and validation.
Key milestones included successful Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) at EgSA facilities in Cairo, followed by comprehensive end-to-end testing and fit-checks at Airbus facilities in Houston, Texas.
The launch and eventual hosting on the ISS marks a significant milestone in international cooperation in harnessing space technologies.
What is the purpose of ClimCam?
Equipped with AI-powered capabilities, ClimCam is designed to deliver near real-time weather and climate data.
“This innovation will support natural resources management, environmental monitoring, disaster management and climate resilience initiatives across Eastern Africa and strengthen data-driven decision making for timely interventions,” Kenya Space Agency said.
The consortium constituting the Kenya Space Agency, the Egyptian Space Agency and Uganda National Space Programme emerged successful winners of a competitive Announcement of Opportunity (AO) issued by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, as part of the Access to Space for All initiative, requiring consortiums to develop a payload that would be flown on the Airbus platform in the ISS.
Beyond its scientific and technological impact, ClimCam exemplifies African collaboration in the space sector.
The mission integrates expertise in space systems engineering, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, showcasing the continent’s growing capacity to develop transformative space technologies.
This successful launch marks a major step forward in strengthening Africa’s presence in the global space ecosystem and reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and regional cooperation.
What does Kenya Space Agency do?
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) is a State Corporation established with the mandate to promote, coordinate, and regulate space-related activities in the country.
The Agency seeks to nurture the growth of Kenya’s domestic space sector, focusing on the following:
- Enhancing the utilization of space services, technologies and space-derived data across the public sector for decision support, planning and predictive analytics.
- Developing national space capability.
- Promoting and nurturing the growth of the domestic space economy through support to startups in the space ecosystem.
- Awareness creation and sensitization on the utility of exploration and exploitation of space capabilities in national socioeconomic development.
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SOYA Gala 2026: Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet Defend Their Crowns
Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and World 10,000m and 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet defended their Sportsman and Woman of the Year crowns during the 22nd edition of the SOYA Awards held on Friday evening at Uhuru Gardens.
Last year, Wanyonyi edged out Ronald Kwemoi and Benson Kipruto to clinch the prestigious accolade following his commanding exploits at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
At this year’s glittering gala, the two-lap maestro once again rose above the pack, finishing ahead of Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam and London Marathon champion Sebastian Sawe.
The 800m ace enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign, headlined by a maiden world title in Tokyo, where he delivered a blistering championship record of 1:41.86.
In a race for the ages, Wanyonyi held off Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati (1:41.90) and Canada’s Marco Arop (1:41.95) in a pulsating finish.
His time in Tokyo obliterated the previous championship mark of 1:42.34 set by American Donovan Brazier at the Doha 2019 World Championships, underlining his growing dominance on the global stage.
Wanyonyi’s supremacy was further cemented by his world-leading time of 1:41.44, clocked at the Monaco Diamond League, the fastest over the distance in 2025.
Across the Diamond League circuit, the Kenyan sensation proved untouchable, culminating in a triumphant finals victory in Zurich, where he timed 1:42.37 to lift the coveted trophy.
His golden run also included victories in Oslo (1:42.78), Stockholm (1:41.95), Monaco (1:41.44) and London (1:42.00), a streak that firmly established him as the man to beat in the 800m.
Unsurprisingly, his scintillating season earned him the 2025 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year award in Monaco.
Who did Beatrice Chebet beat to retain the 2026 SOYA crown?
Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet also tightened her grip on the women’s crown, successfully defending her title ahead of Faith Kipyegon and Faith Cherotich, who finished second and third, respectively.
At last year’s SOYA gala, Chebet had similarly reigned supreme, with Kipyegon and Hellen Obiri completing the podium.
The 5,000m and 10,000m world record holder once again delivered a season to remember in 2025, capping it with a historic double at the Tokyo World Championships.
She had earlier in the year added the 5,000m world record to her accolades after posting 13:58.06, set on July 5, 2025, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, the first woman in history to dip under 14-minutes.
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AK Unveils 104-strong Squad for World Relays, Africa Championships Charge
By Athletics Kenya Media Team
A formidable contingent of 104 athletes has been unveiled to carry the nation’s hopes at the upcoming World Relays and African Championships, following the conclusion of a pulsating three-day combined trials at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
From the squad, 30 athletes have been entrusted with relay duties at the World Relays, while 74 will don the national singlet for continental honours at the African Championships.
When and where will the 2026 World Relays be held?
The World Relays are slated for May 2-3 in Gaborone, Botswana, with the African Championships taking centre stage from May 12-17 in Accra, Ghana.
In Gaborone, Kenya will parade five relay teams, the 4x100m and 4x400m mixed relays, men’s and women’s 4x400m squads, as well as the men’s 4x100m team.
The continental assault in Accra will be spearheaded by five-time javelin champion Julius Yego and world 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, both carrying the weight of expectation as seasoned campaigners.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s relay ambitions will be anchored by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, alongside seasoned sprinter Millicent Ndoro, forming the backbone of the nation’s sprint arsenal.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei exuded confidence in the squad’s readiness, expressing belief in their ability to rise to the occasion on both fronts.
“We hope and believe that the athletes will do well. The athletes are ready and in high spirits. We wish them all the best as they go out to represent the country,” Tuwei said.
Who won Kenya’s 800m World Relays and African Championships trials?
The final day of action delivered a string of standout performances, headlined by the men’s 800m showdown, where Kelvin Loti stormed to victory in 1:45.04.
Laban Chepkwony followed closely in 1:45.19, with Brian Masai sealing the podium in 1:45.82. Loti expressed satisfaction with his run, noting: “The race was good for me and I am happy with the results.”
With his continental ticket secured, the 800m ace is already eyeing a strong showing in Accra.
“I am hoping for good results at the African Championships,” he added.
In the men’s 5,000m, Denis Kemboi timed his race to perfection, clocking 13:33.74 to take top honours ahead of Andrew Alamisi (13:34.30) and Amason Kireu (13:36.42).
Alamisi revealed he had to dig deep after battling fatigue from the semi-finals.
“We started with the semis on Thursday, and I was fourth. My body felt heavy that day, but I prayed to be strong in the finals,” he said.
The youngster remains bullish about his medal prospects on the continental stage.
“When I make the Kenya team, I don’t miss a medal. This will be my first senior Team Kenya, and I hope for the best.”
The men’s 1,500m produced a tactical masterclass as Reynold Cheruiyot surged to victory in 3:36.1, edging Brian Komen (3:36.4) and Dominic Bargentuny (3:37.4).
Cheruiyot welcomed the result, underlining the competitive edge in the race.
“The race today was good, we pushed each other, and I am glad with the results. I hope for good results in Ghana. We will push ourselves with Komen to secure gold and silver,” he said.
He further revealed that his international season will kick off in Xiamen, where he will step up to the 5,000m.
“My first international race, I will start with Xiamen, and I will be running a 5,000m.”
Defending champion Brian Komen acknowledged the task ahead as he gears up to protect his continental crown.
“I had prepared well for this race; I was also using it to gauge my body. I am the defending champion, so I know I have a lot of work, but I will try my best to defend the title.”
Komen also echoed confidence in a Kenyan one-two finish.
“We will work with Reynold so that we can finish first and second.”
In the men’s javelin throw, Boniface Kilonzo edged a tightly contested duel, unleashing a winning throw of 76.76m to narrowly beat Alexander Kiprotich (76.71m), while Duncan Kinyanchui settled for third with 70.06m.
TEAM KENYA for WORLD ATHLETICS RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
4x100m Men and 4x100m Mixed (Male athletes)
- Ronald Kiprono Koech
- Mark Otieno Odhiambo
- Moses Wasike Onyango
- Elkana Kiprotich Sabila
- Dennis Wangui Mwai
- Meshack Kitsubuli Babu
- Ferdinand Omanyala
- Samuel Waweru Chege
- Steve Odhiambo Onyango
4x100m Mixed Women
- Millicent Ndoro
- Diana Lilian Awako Aoko
- Eunice Kadogo Murandafu
4x400m Men and 4x400m Mixed (Male Athletes)
- Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui
- Dennis Masika Mulongo
- George Mutinda Mutuku
- Kevin Kipkorir
- Danson Kibet
- Erick Kimathi
- Brian Onyari Tinega
- Kipkorir Rotich
- Erastus Mbaluka Musilu
4x400m Women and 4x400m Mixed Female Athletes
- Mercy Chebet
- Hellen Syombua Kalii
- Maureen Nanjala Wafula
- Anne Mbatha Nzula
- Margaret Naserian Tajeu
- Mercy Adongo Oketch
- Gladys Muthoni Ngure
- Purity Chepkoech Joy
- Lanoline Owino Aoko
TEAM KENYA – AFRICAN SENIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
100m Women
- Millicent Ndoro
- Lilian Aoko
- Eunice Kadogo
100m Men
- Ronald Koech
- Mark Odhiambo
- Moses Wasike
100m hurdles Women
- Rukia Nusra
200m Women
- Lilian Aoko
200m Men
- Dennis Mwai
- Ronald Koech
- Elkana Sabila
400m Women
- Mercy Chebet
- Hellen Syombua
- Maureen Wafula
400m Men
- Kelvin Kiprotich
- Dennis Masika
- George Mutinda
400m hurdles Women
- Gladys Ngure
- Vanice Kerubo
400m hurdles Men
- Kipkorir Rotich
- Edward Ngunjiri
800m Women
- Vivian Chebet
- Alice Ekiru
- Pauline Ndusu
800m Men
- Kelvin Loti
- Laban Chepkwony
- Brian Masai
1500m Women
- Mary Ekiru
- Faith Chebet
- Vivian Chebet
1500m Men
- Reynold Cheruiyot
- Brian Komen
- Dominic Barngetuny
3000m steeplechase Women
- Diana Chepkemoi
- Mercy Chepngeno
- Mercy Mageso
3000m steeplechase Men
- Peter Rono
- Shadrack Too
5000m Women
- Maurine Chebor
- Joyline Chepkemoi
- Cynthia Chepkurui
5000m Men
- Denis Kemboi
- Andrew Alamisi
- Laban Kosgei
10000m Women
- Diana Wanza
- Mercy Mageso
- Phenah Yego
10000m Men
- Kevin Chesang
- Silas Senchura
- Mathew Kipkoech
20km race walk Women
- Sylvaia Kemboi
- Caren Simiyu
20km race walk Men
- Samuel Gathimba
- Stephen Ndangiri
High jump Women
- Faith Kipsang
High jump Men
- Asbel Kemboi
Long jump Women
- Zeddy Jesire
Long jump Men
- Isaac Kimunu
Triple jump Women
- Martha Nyabuto
- Faith Kipsang
- Winnie Bii
Triple jump Men
- Amos Mwendwa
- Gilbert Pkemoi
- Kevin Kiprono
Shot put Women
- Belinda Oburu
- Sarah Okumu
Discus Women
- Caroline Cherotich
Hammer Women
- Roseline Rakamba
Hammer Men
- Dominic Abunda
Javelin Men
- Boniface Kilonzo
- Alexander Kiprotich
- Julius Yego
Javelin Women
- Caroline Odwory
Decathlon
- Edwin Too
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Origins and Meaning of 20 Popular Eldoret’s Estates
Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth city, is home to over 20 residential estates.
Just like any other urban area in the country, the estates have unique names which equally unique origin and meaning.
From Munyaka to Langas and Maili Name, Uasin Gishu News takes a look at the origin and meaning of some of the Eldoret estates’ names.
What is the origin of Langas estate?
Langas is one of the biggest informal settlements in Eldoret City. The estate is largely home to low and middle-income earners.
The name Langas is believed to have been derived from the Maasai family/clan name Ole Lankas.
Kapseret
This is a fast-rising estate largely populated by the working and middle classes. Its name comes from the Kalenjin word for couch grass (a type of tough, creeping grass).
Kipkaren estate
Kipkaren is one of the oldest estates in Eldoret. The name translates roughly to “a place of weapons.”
Local tradition holds that the estate was named Kipkaren as it marks the spot where Nandi and Maasai warriors buried their arms after a major battle, as a gesture of peace and truce.
What is the origin of Munyaka estate?
Munyaka is a Kikuyu word meaning “luck” or “good fortune.”
The area was originally settled by Kikuyu community families who had been displaced from the Musekekwa and Sabor forests in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
Pioneer estate
Pioneer is home to a majority of the middle class.
The estate was named in honour of the Boer (Afrikaner) pioneers who settled in the Eldoret area during the early colonial period.
Huruma estate
The name was adopted from the well-known Huruma Estate in Nairobi, as many early residents were migrants who had lived in the capital.
Kamukunji estate
Same to Huruma, the name was also borrowed from Nairobi’s Kamukunji area. It was initially settled largely by railway workers.
Roadblock (Rodii)
The estate was named after a famous security roadblock that once stood in the area
Tairi Mbili
Tairi Mmbili is a Swahili word loosely translated to “two tyres,”
The estate got its name from two old vehicle tyres that were placed along the road in the area as a marker.
Maili Nne
Swahili for “four miles,” the estates indicate the estate’s distance from Eldoret’s Central Business District.
Maili Tisa
Swahili for “nine miles,” similarly referencing its distance from the town centre.
Kahoya estate
Named after the Kahoya construction company that once had its base of operations in the area.
Jerusalem
Took its name from the first shop established there, which was called “Jerusalem.”
Action estate
The name is derived from the Action Land Buying Company, which subdivided and sold plots in the neighbourhood.
Subaru
Located near the Eldoret War Cemetery, the estate was named after the first shop in the area, known as “Subaru.”
Where did the name Hawaii estate come from?
Located along the Eldoret-Iten Road, the estate’s name was inspired by a popular nightclub called “Hawaii” that operated in the area during the 1990s.
Peris
The estate was named after the shop owned by a woman locally known as Mama Peris.
Annex
The estate is located along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway.
Its name originated from the nearby Moi University Law School Annex campus.
Rehema
Named after the Rehema Land Buying Company, which played a key role in acquiring and subdividing land for settlement in the area.
Elgon View Estate
The estate originated in the 1940s as an exclusive residential area for white settlers. It is named for its scenic views of Mount Elgon.
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Harambee Starlets' Final Squad for Inaugural FIFA Series - Women
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 24-player final squad for the inaugural FIFA Series – Women, which kicks off on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya will host the four-nation tournament, which brings together Harambee Starlets (Kenya), Australia, India and Malawi.
The tournament will be part of Harambee Starlets’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
FIFA Series – Women’s schedule
The opening day will feature two matches at Nyayo National Stadium. Australia will face Malawi at 2.00 pm before Harambee Starlets take on India at 5:00 pm.
The tournament will conclude on Wednesday, April 15, with the third-place play-off scheduled for 2.00 pm, followed by the final at 5:30 pm.
Among the four teams taking part in the tournament, Australia are the highest-ranked side at 15th in the world.
India is ranked 67th, Kenya 134th and Malawi 153rd.
Lorine Ilavonga has been ruled out of the final squad after sustaining an injury during a domestic league match before the team’s final preparation phase.
Separately, four players who had been named in the provisional squad and are based at Simba Queens were not available at the start of the FIFA international window on April 7, 2026, due to club commitments in a domestic league fixture.
Fasila Adhiambo and Ruth Ingosi checked into camp on April 10, 2026, and will be training with the team ahead of the tournament.
The technical bench’s final selection has been guided by the need to ensure continuity in preparations, full integration within the training camp period, and overall squad cohesion ahead of the opening match at the FIFA Women’s Series.
Harambee Starlets FIFA Series – Women’s squad
- Goalkeepers
Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu.
- Defenders
Ruth Ingosi, Norah Ann, Elizabeth Ochaka, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Vivian Nasaka, Janet Mumo, Leah Andiema, Enez Mango.
- Midfielders
Mwanalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolete, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina, Vidah Sharon, Terry Engesha, Lorna Nyarinda.
- Forwards
Elizabeth Mideva, Shaline Nambengele, Eglay Mukhwana, Shirleen Opisa, Marion Serenge, Valerie Nekesa.
