Machakos University and Futures Forum Advance OASEAS Project with Site Assessment and Upcoming Mwezi 1 mission in MARSaBIT

Machakos University is taking a leading role in shaping Africa’s future in space exploration through its active involvement in the Omni Africa Space Exploration Analog Simulation (OASEAS) project — a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting climate research, advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and positioning Kenya as a hub for space science and sustainability.

On Thursday, 2^nd October 2025, the University hosted a delegation comprising Dr. Claire Nelson, CEO of Futures Forum; Mr. Francois Lee, PE, CEO of Leecop Limited and a key solar energy systems investor; and Mr. Dwight. The delegation was received by Machakos University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joyce Agalo, Prof. Mugendi MR’ithaa, UNESCO Chair, Dr. Charles Mwaniki, Dean School of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Margaret Nganu, Lecturer School of Business, Economics, Hospitality and Tourism Managment and Ms. Ann Merryl Nthenya heading Machakos University Rover Crew.

The team held strategic discussions with University leadership and students to review progress on the OASEAS initiative and plan for upcoming collaborative activities.

This visit builds on earlier engagements held from March 21^st–23^rd, 2025, when a four-member team led by Eng. Dr. Charles Mwaniki, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, conducted a comprehensive site assessment in Marsabit County’s Chalbi Desert. During the visit, the team engaged with local schools—Hon. Isacko Secondary School, Turbi Girls High School, and Tigo School—donating computers to their science clubs to inspire interest in STEM fields. They also met Hon. Wario Adhe Guyo, MP for North Horr Constituency, and Hon. Galgallo Huka, MCA for Bubisa/Turbi Ward, who pledged strong support for the establishment of the OASEAS facility and encouraged Machakos University to set up a campus in the region.

In the next phase of the project, the delegation from Futures Forum, Leecop Limited, and Machakos University—together with selected students—are traveling to Marsabit on 7^th October 2025 for a three-week mission simulation. This exercise is part of preparations for the World’s Biggest Analog (WBA) 2025 competition by Mars Society Kenya, during which the OASEAS Habitat will be launched. The facility will simulate Martian conditions and support cutting-edge research in robotics, renewable energy, water and waste management, sustainable architecture, biotechnology, agri-tech, and food technology.

Through these strategic collaborations, Machakos University re-affirms its commitment to research, innovation, and sustainable development, empowering African students and researchers to lead in space science and technology for the benefit of both Earth and beyond.