A one of a kind 4-day Space conference kicked off in Nairobi on Tuesday, bringing together scientists and astronauts keen on enabling human travel to the space for all.

The theme of the conference dubbed ‘Nairobi Nexus 2023’ is ‘when space, purpose and culture collide.’ It aims to ensure the innovations and ideas from space exploration improve life on earth for everyone.

The conference is organised by the ‘100 Year Starship Initiative,’ an independent, inclusive, long term global initiative established 10 years ago and led by former astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, who was also one of the key speakers at the event.

The initiative seeks to democratise space and help the world make informed choices regarding climate change and soil use.

Dr. Jemison says her initiative seeks to bring inclusivity, the reason the conference was brought to Nairobi and indeed Kenya, the cradle of human kind.

"It is really about making sure that we push for radical leaps in innovation, and using human interstellar travel is something that will push that innovation. And so what this Nexus event is about is pushing that, and bringing everyone together to start to solve this thing. So what we are doing today is launching that connectedness in the cradle of humankind," Dr. Jemison said.

She added that in 10 years of the 100 Years Starship existence, the initiative has engaged different stakeholders, among them governments and States to find ways in which they can leverage on space economy, use data for humanity's benefit and make informed decisions on curbing environmental degradation.

Also at the launch of the nexus was the acting Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, who said Kenya is keen on joining the world in space exploration and demystify theories around the orbit.

"We are convicted that the delivery of these services needs to be underpinned by enabling an indigenous space capability that also contributes to the national economic goals and aspirations. Who owns space resonates well with us here in Kenya as we make efforts to demystify space and to stake a claim to space exploration" Brigadier Kipkosgey said.

Philip Thigo, a data and policy expert who also spoke at the conference, said Kenya is keen on using data obtained from space exploration to grow its economy and expand space democracy.

"Kenya is one of the very few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that has a space society that is purely convened by the private sector who invite government to participate. And if we are to tackle climate change in a way that is sustainable, then I think this is the community that can resolve that challenge" Thigo added.

Nexus 2023 is the evolution of public symposiums hosted previously by 100YSS. It creates experiences and transdisciplinary activities that stretch attendees’ imaginations.

While considering today’s cutting-edge technologies and future possibilities, attendees of the conference have been challenged to discuss and take action on thought-provoking frontiers of civilization, science, culture, space, technology, society, education, sustainability and purpose both now and in the future.

“Via Nexus, everyone can be at the confluence of science and culture, collaboratively sparking this grand evolution to expand beyond this beautiful planet we call home, while also nurturing our Earth home where the vast majority of us will live for untold generations to come,” Dr. Jemison added.

She further said the 100 Year Starship is transforming the approach to space exploration so that all people may claim their place at the table and experience, re-imagine, learn, celebrate and discuss the future of space and its immediate impacts on the world today.

The conference saw Kenyans enthusiastic about space exploration attend. Among them were students from various institutions in the country.