The government assured the public that the mysterious space object that fell in Makuku Village, Makueni County, on December 30, 2024, poses no health risks.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, in a statement, clarified that multi-agency teams had assessed the scene and confirmed that the metal debris does not present an immediate danger to public health.
“Following initial evaluations, we can confirm that there is no immediate health threat from the object. However, we advise residents to exercise caution when approaching the area or handling any materials around it. Any unusual health concerns or environmental changes should be reported to local health authorities,” PS Muthoni said.
She further explained that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the metallic object, which measures approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighs around 500 kg. It has been identified as a “separation from a rocket.”
The Ministry of Health is working closely with technical teams from the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to gather more information about the incident.
No injuries or casualties were reported, and the object was safely retrieved by the Kenya Space Agency.
Following a visit to the site, KSA stated, “This is an isolated case, and the Agency will investigate and address the matter using established protocols under International Space Law.”.