Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba has carved an extraordinary path in aerospace, emerging as a trailblazer for Kenyan women in science and technology.
Today, she has made history as Kenya’s first Scientist-Astronaut graduate from Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere (PoSSUM) Academy, a milestone that places her among the few Africans breaking new ground in space exploration.
Early Life and Education
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba’s journey into aerospace began with a passion for space exploration and a determination to follow in her brothers’ footsteps.
In 2016, she earned a place at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
Her coursework spanned critical areas such as orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, aeronautics, and spacecraft design.
Alongside her degree, she pursued a minor in Space Studies, focusing on operations, safety training, risk assessment, and the human factors of space flight.
While still a student, Wanjiku’s curiosity led her to the Advanced PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) Academy, a citizen-scientist initiative dedicated to atmospheric research.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first Kenyan to graduate from the country’s scientist-astronaut program, a milestone that underscored her trailblazing role in aerospace.
Her academic pursuit continued with a Master of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering from Embry-Riddle in 2020, which she earned with distinction.
This broadened her expertise in dynamics and control of aerospace vehicles, equipping her with the ability to integrate subsystems and technologies into efficient vehicle designs that meet mission goals.
She is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida.
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Wanjiku Chebet Career Path
In February 2021, she co-founded Vicillion, a US-based company spearheading the development of the world’s first equatorial commercial spaceport.
The project is designed to transform global access to space, redefining possibilities for exploration and connectivity.
Alongside this pioneering role, Wanjiku serves as a Citizen Scientist at the European Space Agency and as Director, Aerospace Engineer, and Assistant Head of Strategy & Communications at the Space Partnerships and Research Company (SPARC), where she continues to influence aerospace research and policy.
Before founding Vicillion, Wanjiku built a strong foundation in the aerospace industry.
She worked as an Airworthiness Engineer at Gulfstream Aerospace (2022–2024) and as an Aerospace Controls Engineer at Switched Source LLC (2021–2022), where she honed her technical expertise and gained practical insights into advanced engineering systems.
Her journey into the professional world was supported by formative experiences, including internships at Southwest Airlines (2019) and Birds Eye Aerial Drones (2020), as well as multiple teaching and mentoring roles at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2017–2021).
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Honours and Recognition
Kanjumba has received prestigious recognitions, including the Boeing Career Enhancement Scholarship, the Academic Pyramid of Excellence Award from the National Society of Black Engineers, and her feature in Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women (2024).
But her crowning achievement remains her distinction as Kenya’s first Scientist-Astronaut graduate, a historic first that has placed her at the frontier of African space exploration.
In an era defined by women redefining boundaries, Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba stands out as a trailblazer in aerospace and space exploration.
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A photo of Wanjiku Chebet, Kenyan Engineer and First Scientist- First Scientist-Astronaut Graduate PHOTO/Wanjiku Chebet
