NAIROBI– The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has issued a public advisory regarding the potential reentry of a significant piece of space debris, identified as Norad ID 61909/2024-205R, over Kenyan airspace over the weekend.
The object, a rocket body fragment of unknown mass, is projected to follow a North-South trajectory, with its path crossing Kenya’s North Eastern region.
According to the Space Agency, the debris is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on Saturday, April 19, 2025, around 11:15 AM local time, with a window of uncertainty extending to 7:29 AM on April 19 to 3:01 PM on April 20.
The predicted ground track, as illustrated in KSA’s advisory, shows the object traversing from the North Eastern region, near the border with Somalia and Ethiopia, southward toward Tanzania.
The agency emphasizes that the debris is not expected to impact Kenyan soil, its large size raises concerns about potential risks to life and property along its path.
North Eastern Kenya is a region characterized by vast, arid landscapes and sparse population centers like Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.
The body has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of unusual objects falling from the sky to the nearest police station, national government office, or military camp.
“We are advising the public, particularly in the North Eastern region, to be cautious during this period,” an advisory statement from the agency read.
“While the likelihood of debris landing in Kenya is low, we are taking all necessary precautions.”
The advisory has sparked concern among residents in North Eastern, where access to real-time information can be limited.
Local leaders have called for increased communication efforts to ensure rural communities are informed.
“We need clear instructions on what to look out for and how to stay safe,” said Somane Hassan, a resident of Wajir County.
“This is something we’ve never dealt with before.”
The agency said it is collaborating with international partners to refine predictions about the debris’ flight path and reentry timeline.
“We are working around the clock to monitor this object and provide updates as needed,” the statement read in parts.
