NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has invited Kenyan universities and law schools to participate in the 2026 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (MLSLMCC), a prestigious international contest organised under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).
In a call for participation issued this week, the Agency said the competition offers Kenyan law students a rare opportunity to engage with international space law through simulated proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The MLSLMCC is widely regarded as the world’s leading moot court competition dedicated to space law, bringing together students from across the globe to argue hypothetical disputes involving state responsibility, liability, and governance of space activities.
KSA said its involvement aligns with its statutory mandate to promote, regulate, and coordinate space-related activities in Kenya, including policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks.
“The Agency serves as the national focal point for coordinating the national rounds of the MLSLMCC,” KSA said, adding that the competition exposes students to contemporary legal challenges in outer space governance.
Competition Structure and Timeline
The 2026 competition case focuses on Ikantor (Applicant) v Accadia (Respondent) and examines issues of liability and responsibility for space activities involving non-governmental corporate actors. The agreed Statement of Facts is publicly available on the IISL website.
According to the published timelines, the competition will proceed as follows:
- Mid–March 2026: National rounds
- 25–27 May 2026: Regional oral rounds
- 19 June 2026: Deadline for submission of written memorials for the world finals
- 5–9 October 2026: Semi-finals and finals during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye
Winning teams from national and regional rounds advance to the continental level, with top teams qualifying for the global finals.
Registration Details
Registration is open to all eligible institutions and students and can be completed directly by contacting the Africa Regional Coordinator via mujiga@thedtc.gov.za.
Institutions may also register through the Kenya Space Agency, the designated local point of contact. Inquiries can be directed to Ms Rachel Okello via rachel.okello@ksa.go.ke or info@ksa.go.ke.
The registration deadline is January 30, 2026.
Growing Role of Space Law in Kenya
The call comes as Kenya continues to expand its presence in space science, satellite technology, and regulatory governance, including through the operationalisation of its national space policy and participation in international space law forums.
KSA said the competition is part of broader efforts to build local capacity in space governance, ensuring Kenya develops a cadre of legal experts equipped to navigate emerging challenges in space activities.
