Kenya has approved its first drone corridor at Konza Technopolis, enabling safe BVLOS operations and boosting innovation, research, and economic growth.
Spearheaded by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), the drone corridor is Kenya’s first designated and controlled airspace specifically dedicated to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This move places Kenya among a select group of African countries with advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) infrastructure, reinforcing its leadership in technology-driven development.
According to John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, this milestone is a critical leap forward in the nation’s ambition to establish a thriving drone ecosystem and leverage emerging technologies to support national development.
“The establishment of this drone corridor within a smart city will spur significant economic growth by attracting investment, creating new opportunities, and positioning Konza Technopolis as the premier destination for African tech talent and enterprise,” said Okwiri.
A Strategic Hub for Innovation and Safety
Located within the heart of the Konza Smart City—often dubbed “Africa’s Silicon Savannah”,the drone corridor has been designed with stringent safety and environmental standards in mind. It provides a controlled, purpose-built environment where drone operations can be conducted safely, with minimal risk to manned aircraft, people, and property.
The corridor supports a wide range of applications including training, testing, research, and commercial deployment, making it a valuable resource for startups, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders. It is also expected to enhance regulatory compliance, as it offers a controlled platform for operators to conduct BVLOS missions under clear guidelines.
The approval by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) follows a rigorous assessment and recommendation process by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Committee, which comprises various stakeholders from aviation, security, and technology sectors. This reflects the government’s strong commitment to fostering safe and innovative drone operations in Kenya.
The drone corridor is set to catalyze the use of unmanned aerial technologies in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare logistics, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response. With BVLOS capabilities, drones can now conduct long-range missions,such as delivering medical supplies to remote areas, surveying large agricultural fields, or supporting emergency operations during natural disasters.
Additionally, the corridor is envisioned as a collaborative innovation ecosystem. It will bring together drone operators, regulators, research institutions, and training centres to exchange knowledge, develop talent, and co-create next-generation drone solutions tailored for Africa.
Positioning Kenya as a Drone Innovation Leader
As Kenya embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Konza National Drone Corridor is a symbol of the country’s forward-thinking approach to technology, regulation, and innovation.
By enabling advanced drone operations in a controlled setting, the initiative not only positions Konza Technopolisas a beacon of smart city innovation but also contributes to national economic growth, skills development, and technological sovereignty.
With the corridor now operational, Kenya is poised to attract international partnerships, boost local innovation, and unlock new socio-economic opportunities through responsible drone integration.
