Kenya Space Agency seeks stronger collaboration with Beihang University on Aerospace Studies
Date: 2026-10-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Director General Maj Gen Hillary Kipkosgey has called for enhanced collaboration with Beihang University in China to develop human capital through Centres for Aerospace Studies.
Kipkosgey made the call
during a visit to Beihang University, also known as the Beijing University of
Aeronautics and Astronautics, his alma mater, in Beijing on Thursday, October
15, 2026. He met with the institution’s senior leadership, led by Vice President
Prof. Zhao Weisheng, alongside accompanying KSA staff and three Kenyan
postgraduate students at the university.
During the meeting, Prof.
Weisheng briefed the delegation on the university’s collaboration initiatives
with the Chinese aerospace industry and international partners, including
Kenyan public universities and other institutions, in human capital development
and research and development.
He said the university
currently has nine Kenyan students enrolled in various undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes, including Aerospace Engineering.
Prof. Weisheng also noted
that Beihang University had established a Centre for Space Studies accredited
by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for the
Asia-Pacific region. The institution also plans to establish the Sino-Africa
School in Morocco to serve as its African headquarters.
He further expressed the
university’s plans to support the launch of an alumni association for African
students.
Maj Gen Kipkosgey
acknowledged that Kenya and China enjoy excellent bilateral relations and ties
across various sectors, including trade, economic, military, cultural, tourism
and infrastructure development. He also expressed the Kenyan government’s appreciation
for the scholarships awarded to Kenyan students to study at prestigious
institutions such as Beihang University and other higher education
institutions.
Kipkosgey committed to
supporting the proposed establishment of an alumni association for African
students. Following the discussions, the KSA delegation toured the university’s
Aerospace Museum.
