The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has officially declared Konza Technopolis to be the National Drone Corridor of Kenya, a giant step forward towards advanced drone technology in Kenya.
This makes Konza the first regulated airfield in Kenya for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) hailed the decision as a major milestone in enabling Kenya to become a continental hub for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and technological innovation.
The approval followed a comprehensive evaluation by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Committee.
“This approval is a profound testament to Kenya’s progressive vision of becoming a global leader in smart technology and aviation innovation,” Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri said.
KoTDA noted that the newly designated drone corridor will enable long-distance flights of drones to fly securely and within a controlled setting.
The corridor will help mitigate threats to manned aircraft, human beings, property, and the environment.
KoTDA also indicated the airspace will be used for testing, training, and conducting research of drones, as well as offering opportunities for startups, technology firms, as well as universities to innovate in a controlled and secure environment.
“The establishment of this drone corridor within a smart city will spur significant economic growth by attracting investment,” Okwiri said.
“It will create new opportunities and also firmly position Konza Technopolis as the premier destination for African tech talent and enterprise to thrive.”
KoTDA said the drone corridor will allow key industries such as agriculture, medicine delivery, logistics, and disaster response – sectors where drones can make real-world impact.
All drone flights in the corridor will be required to comply with KCAA’s strict safety and regulation requirements to ensure responsible and safe use.
The corridor also enables controlled Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, in which drones are flown safely far from the pilot without remaining in direct sight.
“This crucial capability will enable the safe and efficient execution of long-range drone flights, unlocking the full potential of drones for real-world, impactful applications,” said KoTDA CEO John Paul Okwiri.
KoTDA added that the airspace will be accessible to licensed operators, researchers, and training institutions, promoting collaboration and innovation.
“The corridor offers open access for authorised operators, researchers, and training institutions, fostering a dynamic environment for partnerships, knowledge sharing and collective innovation,” Okwiri added.
To ensure successful and safe flights, KoTDA has employed a full-time Corridor Operations Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day functions within the drone corridor.
The coordinator will also ensure aviation regulatory compliance, monitor safety, and optimize airspace usage for efficiency and innovation.
Konza Chief Manager of Physical Planning Annah Musyimi said the approval of the corridor opens up deeper partnerships.
“Konza Technopolis extends invitations to both local and international partners to tap into the massive opportunities unlocked by the drone zone,,” she added.
“We want stakeholders to exploit the myriad of benefits that come with drone technology.”
A drone light show, featuring a fleet of 90 drones was hosted by @Kenyaflyinglabs, @Jays_Pyrotech and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (@CAA_Kenya) at the Konza City Soccer Field.
This exercise positions the smart city as a premier drone zone, showcasing the innovative spirit… pic.twitter.com/4DDg84GYNv
— Konza Technopolis Development Authority (@konzatech) April 10, 2025
