Government makes new announcement on flying drones in Kenya

david nganga

June 22, 2017 11:21 AM

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has made a new announcement regarding flying of drones in the country.

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The government has issued an announcement to all Kenyans with regards to flying drones in the country.

Through the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),all Kenyans seeking to operate drones have been asked to wait longer following delay in issuing a gazette notice guiding the use of Aerial Unmanned Vehicles (AUVs).

KCCA says it is waiting for the AG to approve regulations presented to the State Law Office earlier in the year.

“The draft regulations have received approval by the Cabinet Secretary — Ministry of Transport, and await formal promulgation at the Attorney General’s Office,” KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe said.

At least 1,000 applicants are seeking approval to operate drone-based transport services in Kenya, hinting at high demand for the robotic aircraft.

The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) approved the draft regulations on drones in January making Kenya the second country after Rwanda in Africa to embrace the use of drones.

KCAA is banking on drones to enhance innovation, create jobs and facilitate service delivery to remote places.

Non-military use of drones had been restricted in the country due to lack of a legal framework. The proposed regulations require commercial drone owners to have security clearance from the Ministry of Defence and have trained pilots, among other things.

Civilians are limited to flying drones at a height of not more than 400 feet.

Those who fail to comply with the rules will attract a maximum fine of Sh500,000 or a jail term not exceeding three months, the proposed laws state.

david nganga