Kenya officially unveiled its Astro-Tourism initiative on September 7, 2025, in Samburu County, coinciding with a total lunar eclipse that symbolically highlighted the country’s new venture into space-themed tourism. The launch, officiated by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, aims to position Kenya as a leading global destination for astro-tourism, a growing niche attracting travelers interested in astronomy, culture, and immersive experiences. The event at Samburu Sopa Lodge featured guided stargazing, astrophotography, cultural storytelling, and night-sky interpretation using indigenous knowledge, drawing participation from key stakeholders, including the Kenya Space Agency, county officials, and private-sector partners such as Leo Sky Africa.
A key highlight of the initiative was the inauguration of Kenya’s first astro-tourism planetarium at Samburu Sopa Lodge. Built in the traditional Manyatta architectural style, the planetarium offers visitors an interactive tour of the universe while serving as an educational hub for schools and astronomy enthusiasts. The facility forms part of the planned Samburu Astro-Village, envisioned as a central hub for Kenya’s astro-tourism experiences, combining modern astronomy with cultural narratives to create a unique tourism product.
Kenya is strategically positioned for astro-tourism thanks to its equatorial location, dark skies, minimal light pollution, and rich cultural connections to the cosmos. The initiative aligns with continental efforts to develop astro-tourism, following South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana in leveraging dark-sky locations and scientific infrastructure to attract niche travelers. By combining observational astronomy with cultural storytelling and educational opportunities, Kenya aims to enhance its tourism portfolio, stimulate local economies, and inspire scientific curiosity among youth while establishing itself as a continental leader in astro-tourism.