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Kenya and Tanzania have been alerted by space experts regarding the potential fall of debris from a spacecraft (rocket) within their territories.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) confirmed the warning and issued an alert to the public about the possibility of falling debris from a space object identified as Norad ID 61909/2024-205R.
Although the KSA statement did not specify exactly where or in which country the object might land, it urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of large falling metallic objects to the police or local authorities. The public has also been advised to avoid physical contact with any such debris to prevent injury.
While Tanzania has not issued any official communication, KSA’s Friday statement noted that the rocket debris, whose exact weight is unknown, is expected to pass over East African airspace, including parts of Kenya.
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According to KSA, the object is projected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at around 11:15 PM, though this timing could vary by up to 15 hours and 46 minutes. This means the possible re-entry window stretches from 7:29 AM on Saturday to 3:01 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Currently, the debris is not expected to fall directly within Kenyan territory, and no similar announcement has been made by Tanzanian authorities. However, KSA warned that due to the size of the object, it could pose a threat to human life and property if it lands in populated areas.
A similar incident occurred in January 2025, when metallic debris believed to be part of a rocket fell in Makuku village, Makueni County, causing panic among local residents. The debris measured approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighed close to 500 kilograms.
Typically, such objects are designed to burn up upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere or to fall into uninhabited zones. Nonetheless, KSA continues to monitor the situation closely and advises the public to remain alert and informed.
