NAIROBI – The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has approved the Konza National Drone Corridor to boost the country's aviation and technology landscape.
The corridor, launched by the Consa Technopolis Development Authority (KOTDA), is the first controlled airspace in Kenya that is particularly dedicated to visual gaze (BVLOS) drone operations.
Consa Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwili said the milestone is a major leap in Kenya's efforts to build a robust unmanned aerial system (UAS) ecosystem, strengthening the country's growth position as a leader in technological innovation across Africa.
“The establishment of this drone corridor within the smart city will drive significant economic growth by attracting investment, creating new opportunities and firmly positioning Konza Technopolis as the premier destination for African technological talent and businesses,” he said.
Strategically located within Konza Technopolis Smart City, drone corridors are designed to ensure safety and security while minimizing risks to manned aerial vehicles, people, property and the environment.
It also provides a unique and dedicated environment to support testing, training, research and innovation, offering great benefits to startups, academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
The corridor was approved following a thorough and rigorous review process conducted by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Commission, further demonstrating Kenya's commitment to promoting safe, regulated, and forward-looking drone operations.
The corridor is expected to accelerate drone use in key sectors important for national development, including agriculture, medical delivery, logistics and disaster response.
Its design allows controlled BVLOS operation, allowing drones to effectively and safely perform long-range missions. This is a feature that unlocks new possibilities for real applications.
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Additionally, the corridor promotes a co-ecosystem where certified operators, researchers and training institutions can interact, share knowledge and drive innovation.
Annah Musyimi, Chief Manager of Physical Planning, Design, Compliance and Environments at Konza Technopolis, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships to unlock the full potential of drone technology.
“We are extremely excited to work with innovators and organizations who share their mission to leverage the immense potential of drone technology for social impact,” she said.
Kotda is currently expanding its invitations to both local and international partners to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the newly launched Drone Zone.
